Technical skill improvement with surgical preparatory courses: What advantages are reflected in residency?

INTRODUCTION: Sustainability of skill acquisition gained from graduating medical student (GMS) preparatory courses remains uncertain. GMS skills were assessed before (T1) and after a preparatory course (T2) and then again 2 (T3) and 4 (T4) months into residency and compared to surgical interns without such a course.

METHODS: In April, GMS took the preparatory course. In July-August all interns participated in a basic skills curriculum. Learners completed four technical exercises pre/post each course. Three surgeons scored performances. GMS scores were compared across the 4 time points. Control interns were compared at T3 and T4.

RESULTS: Thirty-two interns completed all pre/post course assessments (T3 and T4); seven of those were GMSs. GMS scores increased from 74.5%(T1) to 94.2%(T2) (p < 0.001), and were maintained into residency. Control interns also improved (65.8%(T3) to 91.8%(T4), p < 0.001). GMS-interns scored higher starting residency compared to control interns (T3, 89.08% vs 65.03%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: These findings support existing literature and demonstrate that students maintain their skills into residency. Preparatory courses provide a head start. Without such course, interns require a steep learning curve.