Ambidextrous Surgical Skills Training: What is Left to Do it Right?

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education
• Medical Training
• Surgical Skills Development

Background:

• Ambidextrous surgical skills can improve operative efficiency and precision.
• Integration of ambidextrous training into surgical curricula is currently limited.
• Developing nondominant hand proficiency is crucial for comprehensive surgical competence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of nondominant hand surgical training.
• To assess the impact of this training on skill acquisition among junior medical students.
• To measure changes in student confidence and perceptions regarding ambidextrous surgical training.

Main Methods:

• A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving first- and second-year medical students.
• Participants were randomized into nondominant (NDom) or dominant (Dom) hand suturing training groups.
• Surgical skills were assessed pre- and post-workshop using a modified rubric, supplemented by confidence questionnaires.

Main Results:

• Both NDom and Dom groups showed significant improvements in surgical skills (p < 0.001).
• Nondominant hand training also enhanced dominant hand skills, with no significant difference in skill acquisition between groups (p = 0.292).
• Confidence levels increased significantly, and 97.7% of participants supported ambidextrous training integration.

Conclusions:

• Ambidextrous surgical training is feasible and effectively enhances surgical skills in both hands.
• Nondominant hand training improves dexterity and also strengthens dominant hand proficiency.
• Integrating nondominant hand training into early medical education may optimize surgical proficiency and efficiency.