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Randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of mass and spaced learning in microsurgical procedures using
Wendy Z W Teo1, Xiaoke Dong2, Siti Khadijah Bte Mohd Yusoff2
1Department of Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery, National University Health System, 1E Kent Ridge Rd, Singapore, 119228, Singapore. wendy_zw_teo@nuhs.edu.sg.
Scientific Reports
|February 3, 2021
Summary
Spaced-learning, where training is spread over time, significantly improves retention of microsurgical suturing skills compared to mass-learning in a single session.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Skills Training
- Learning Sciences
Background:
- Microsurgical skills require extensive practice for proficiency.
- Traditional microsurgical training often utilizes mass-learning (intensive, single sessions).
- The efficacy of spaced-learning for complex psychomotor skills like microsurgery is under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of spaced-learning versus mass-learning on the retention of microsurgical suturing skills.
- To evaluate the impact of learning format on precision, time, cumulative performance, and satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- Medical students were randomized into two groups: mass-learning (one 8-hour session) and spaced-learning (four 2-hour weekly sessions).
- Participants practiced placing 9 sutures on a 4mm elastic strip.
- Skill retention was assessed 1 month post-training, measuring suture placement precision, time, and cumulative performance.
Main Results:
- The spaced-learning group demonstrated significantly higher precision in suture placement (mean score 31.60) compared to the mass-learning group (mean score 27.63, p=0.04) at 1-month follow-up.
- No significant differences were observed between groups regarding the time taken for procedures or participant satisfaction.
- Both learning formats led to improved technical performance over time, with no significant difference in the rate of improvement between groups.
Conclusions:
- Spaced-learning is a superior educational strategy for enhancing long-term retention of microsurgical suturing skills compared to mass-learning.
- This study suggests that spaced-learning can be effectively implemented as an alternative to traditional mass-learning formats in microsurgical education.
- Optimizing learning schedules through spaced repetition can improve the durability of complex surgical skills.
