Surgery
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Comparison of expert instruction and computer-based video training in teaching fundamental surgical skills to medical students.
Practice using computer-based video instruction (CBVI) leads to improvements in surgical skills proficiency. This study investigated the benefits of the introduction of (a) learner-directed, interactive video training and (b) the addition of expert instruction on the learning and retention of the basic surgical skills of suturing and knot-tying in medical students. ⋯ This study shows that in surgical novices, neither the inclusion of expert instruction nor the addition of self-directed interaction with video leads to further improvements in skill development or retention. These findings further support the possible implementation of CBVI within surgical skills curricula.