Procedural Education for Family Medicine Residents: Innovative Independent Suturing Training With Asynchronous...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Skills Training
• Family Medicine Residency

Background:

• Suture skills are crucial for family physicians and best acquired during residency.
• Residents often face challenges with obstetric laceration repairs and office-based skin procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a self-directed online suturing training program for residents.
• The program aimed to enhance knowledge and practical suturing techniques.

Main Methods:

• First-year residents participated in an online suturing program during their surgical rotation.
• Assessments included pre/post-knowledge tests, comfort surveys, and video submissions for expert feedback.
• Paired Student t tests analyzed changes in scores and comfort ratings.

Main Results:

• Knowledge and comfort scores significantly improved post-training (p < .001).
• Over 91% of residents reported enhanced knowledge, skills, and comfort.
• The majority would recommend the program to peers.

Conclusions:

• A self-directed online suturing program with simulation, video, and asynchronous coaching is effective.
• This method efficiently prepares residents for clinical suturing procedures with minimal preceptor burden.