Can We Use Peer-Assisted Learning to Teach Basic Surgical Skills?

Background: It is reported that medical students do not receive adequate opportunities to learn surgical skill and are at risk of being unable to perform simple surgical procedures safely. The usefulness of peer-assisted learning (PAL) as a tool to assist in delivering surgical skills training is worth exploring. Methods: This is a randomised single blinded controlled trial. Fourth-year students from the university's Surgical Society were asked to volunteer as peer tutors and those in 3rd-year were asked to undertake surgical skills training. A cohort of 35 students were selected and randomised to receive basic surgical skills training conducted either by faculty members or peers. The students' performance of basic suturing skills was assessed using a checklist, through directly observed procedural skills (DOPS) technique. The assessment was conducted by faculty blinded to the training. Students' perception to surgical skills training was assessed using a questionnaire survey. Results: The suturing and knotting skills of students learned from their peers was comparable to that acquired from faculty. The students' perceived that their peers could conduct surgical skills training similar to their faculty. Conclusion: PAL approach for basic surgical skills training is as effective as faculty-led training. PAL has the potential to optimise the delivery of surgical skills training in undergraduate medical education.