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Research Article

Vol. 21 No. 1 (2023)

Teaching Medical Students to Suture: Evaluation of a Modern Medical School Curriculum

DOI
https://doi.org/10.26443/mjm.v21i1.949
Submitted
December 12, 2021
Published
2022-11-08

Abstract

Background: Medical students are traditionally introduced to suturing in a simulated environment using animal products or synthetic materials. However, there is little evidence to support this pedagogy. Our study explored whether a modern suturing curriculum adequately prepares medical students and examined   student preference for learning suturing skills.

 

Methods: Suturing performance was recorded and assessed by expert raters. Students also completed a survey that inquired about self-perceived knowledge and confidence in suturing, and preferred pedagogical methods.

 

Results: The majority (79%) of students that completed our suturing curriculum demonstrated competence in basic suturing techniques. There was no correlation between objective abilities and self-perceived knowledge or confidence. Students reported being significantly more confident suturing anesthetized patients and in simulated environments. Students reported a desire for earlier introduction to suturing and more frequent simulation training.

 

Conclusion: A modern medical school suturing curriculum, comprising online modules and in-person simulation-based learning, adequately develops basic suturing techniques.

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