Improving undergraduate education in surgical paediatrics using near-peer assisted learning tutorials

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Near-peer assisted learning (NPAL) is a favored method for medical student education, offering benefits to both educators and learners.
• NPAL was identified as suitable for delivering the pediatric surgical curriculum, especially given short placement durations.
• Structured tutorials were proposed to ensure comprehensive curriculum coverage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a structured NPAL program in pediatric surgery.
• To assess changes in reliance on senior staff for teaching.
• To measure the increase in junior staff (surgical, GP, foundation trainees) engagement in teaching.
• To determine the effect on overall curriculum coverage.

Main Methods:

• Curriculum outcomes were defined, and tutorials were developed for junior staff delivery.
• Pre- and post-intervention questionnaires were administered to students during their rotations.
• Data from 70 student responses (23 pre, 47 post) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Reliance on consultant teaching decreased by 29%.
• Engagement in teaching by surgical, GP, and foundation trainees increased by 29%, 43%, and 9%, respectively.
• Overall curriculum coverage improved by 12%.

Conclusions:

• A structured near-peer assisted tutorial program is effective for enhancing medical curriculum coverage.
• The NPAL program demonstrated benefits for both tutors and learners.
• The initiative successfully increased junior staff involvement in teaching and lessened the burden on consultants.