How does practice improve the skills of medical students during consecutive training courses?

To follow-up the development of medical students in taking a stitch using two different bench models, and to assess their performance with regards to gender, handedness, prior recreational activities and interest in surgery.

The study was performed during the compulsory basic (n=152) and the consecutive elective course (n=27). Students took simple interrupted stitches into synthetic and biopreprate models in the classroom and in the operating room. The time needed for that was measured and the quality was scored, using an OSATS (Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill) checklist that had been adapted to our training programs.

Students' performance improved both in time and quality during classes, over the course and compared basic to the elective course, too. No significant difference was found in relation to gender and handedness but certain recreational activities and special interest in surgery led to better results. Operating room environment had a slight negative effect on students' performance.

The study could provide objective skill assessment, monitoring has revealed deficiencies and influencing factors. Objective feedback, valid and reliable assessment is important in teaching surgical skills. In addition it may contribute to higher surgical safety later on in the clinical practice.