Feedback Versus Compliments Versus Both in Suturing and Knot Tying Simulation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Skills Training
• Health Professions Education

Background:

• Suturing is a fundamental skill for graduating health professions students.
• Prior research explored feedback versus compliments in skill acquisition, but not their combined effect.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of combining constructive feedback and compliments on suturing and knot-tying skills.
• To compare the efficacy of feedback, compliments, and a combination of both on skill performance and task enjoyment.

Main Methods:

• A parallel randomized controlled trial involving 31 students divided into three groups: feedback (F), compliments (C), or feedback and compliments (FC).
• Standardized instruction on suturing and knot-tying, with pre- and post-intervention videotaped performance assessments using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS).
• Pre- and post-intervention surveys assessed task enjoyment and self-perceived performance, with statistical analysis using Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and Mann-Whitney U tests.

Main Results:

• Both the feedback (F) and feedback plus compliments (FC) groups showed significant improvement in OSATS scores post-intervention (P=.002 for both).
• The compliments-only (C) group did not demonstrate significant improvement (P=.2266).
• The FC group reported significantly higher task enjoyment compared to the F and C groups (P=.0052 and P=.0126, respectively).

Conclusions:

• The combination of feedback and compliments enhances suturing and knot-tying performance, comparable to feedback alone.
• This combined approach significantly increases students' enjoyment of the learning activity.
• Integrating both feedback and compliments may be a valuable strategy for improving technical skills and learner engagement in health professions education.