Needs-driven skill training for surgical residents: our first experience in a low-/middle-income country

Traditional Halstead teaching, which is time- and opportunity-dependent, has often been replaced by 'boot' camps which involve expensive modules and are usually a grand one-time event. This does not suit the complex teaching and learning needs of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We studied the impact of a needs-driven surgical training course implemented instead. The course was taken by 17 first-year residents of surgery, and included a pre-course knowledge assessment test, pre-test skills assessment, as well as post-test assessment and feedback impressions.Mean post-test scores improved significantly (P < 0.05) in all eight skills areas, though only 7 (44.11%) scored ≥80% in tests after the course, but all 17 in theoretical and clinical skills. There was strong agreement over all six points that the needs-driven course was of benefit. Our short and intensive needs-driven skills video training course for surgical residents fills the gap in skills development for general surgery residents.