Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice With Spaced Training Achieves Comparable Results in Achieving Simple Laparoscopic...

To compare the effectiveness of a traditional weekly simulation-based training model versus a program combining Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice (RCDP) with spaced learning for the acquisition of intracorporeal simple suture skills in medical students.

Prospective quasi-experimental pilot study with block randomization. Students were grouped in blocks of 4 based on scheduling availability. Within each block, participants were randomly assigned to the intervention (RCDP with spaced learning) or control (traditional weekly training group). All participants received 4 sessions of laparoscopic simulation training and were assessed using blinded video evaluation. OSATS (Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills) and GRC (Global Rating Checklist) scores were compared using t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, pass/fail outcomes with chi-square or Fisher's exact test, and procedure time-OSATS associations with Spearman's correlation.

The study was conducted at a tertiary teaching hospital in Ecuador, between October and December 2024.

Thirty-eight students completed the study. No statistically significant differences were found between the intervention and control groups in OSATS scores: intervention: median 13, IQR 9-15; control: median 12.5, IQR 10-15.5; p = 0.889) or in Global Rating Checklist (GRC) scores; intervention: median 12, IQR 8.75-16; control: median 11.5, IQR 8-15; p = 0.890). Time metrics for individual tasks and overall procedure time were also comparable between groups (p > 0.3). Significant negative correlations were observed between total procedure time and OSATS performance scores in both groups, indicating that faster completion was associated with higher technical performance.

The combination of Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice and spaced learning yielded comparable performance to a traditional weekly training model, despite a significant reduction in tutor-guided time and hands-on intracorporeal suture training. These findings support the potential of this approach as a viable and resource-efficient teaching alternative for basic laparoscopic skills, particularly under conditions of increased retention demand. Further studies are needed to evaluate its applicability to more complex procedures and its impact on long-term skill retention.