Enhancement of medical student perception of surgical specialization with peer-assisted laparoscopic simulation: a pilot study

Abstract

Background: Although the pre-clinical years are pivotal in career path commitment for medical students, this phase of education is traditionally devoid of surgical exposure. Although peer-assisted learning and simulation are both validated methods of supplementing early exposure to medical specialties, their use in familiarizing students with modern surgical procedures remains minimal. We hypothesize that student-led laparoscopic simulation will result in significantly increased self-perception of surgical clerkship preparedness and confidence in pursuing surgical residency among pre-clinical medical students. Methods: Laparoscopic simulation workshops were organized by student educators who underwent faculty-led leadership training in simulation education. Pre-clinical medical students were invited to participate in weekly 1-hour laparoscopic simulation events that progressed through a series of coordination exercises using box trainers over the course of 8 weeks. Participants completed pre-and post-simulation surveys concerning perceptions toward surgical clerkship and residency. The results of these questionnaires were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney test. Results: Among the 28 participants, 9 (32%) were first-year pre-clinical medical student and 19 (68%) were second-year medical students. Participants attended an average of 2.8 of the 8 sessions. On a 100point scale, mean student perceptions of surgical clerkship preparedness and confidence pursuing surgical residency scored 44.8 and 50.3, respectively. Upon completion of the post-test, these mean preparedness and confidence scores were significantly increased to 58.6 and 66.6, respectively (P 5 0.001). Conclusion: Peer-assisted laparoscopic simulation learning may be an effective means of enhancing pre-clinical student perceptions toward surgical fields in medical school curricula, however, longitudinal studies are needed to assess the impact on surgical clerkship proficiency and residency matriculation/completion.

Investing in the Future: A Premedical Surgical Elective for Undergraduate Students

“…Existing research has demonstrated that interactive workshops can bolster medical student interest and confidence in pursuing a surgical career. 16 While there is limited research describing the impact of surgical workshops on undergraduate premedical students, Vakayil et al 17 found that workshops can improve premedical students' perceived confidence in basic surgical knowledge, techniques, and teamwork. This improved a "Other" includes 1st or 2nd-year medical school students and those who were not currently enrolled in a medical school program at the time of survey (ie, undergraduates and recent graduates taking a "gap year").…”