VCOM Louisiana Research Day Program Book 2024

Education, Simulation and Best Practices

66 AUGMENTING MEDICAL STUDENT SUTURING COMPETENCY: A NEEDS-BASED CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

Nur Illah Arab, OMS-II*; Chinaemerem Chukwudoro, OMS-II*; Uzochukwu Adabanya, MD, MPH, BSc; VCOM-Louisiana

Background: The study emphasizes the importance of suturing, recognized as a crucial procedural skill for medical graduates by the American Association of Medical Colleges(1). While suturing may initially seem like a skill learned during clinical rotations, there is a compelling argument for including wound closure techniques in the preclinical curriculum(2). The justification stems from the undeniable need for wound closure across medical professions and settings. The study argues that understanding and practicing suturing techniques early on can prevent inadequacies by enhancing technical skills and reducing the likelihood of mistakes during patient interactions(1). The research emphasizes the inverse relationship between suturing ability and medical student anxiety, highlighting the importance of early training(1). The study contends that incorporating wound closure education by recognizing the variety of closure methods over an extended period, enhances skill retention compared to mass instructional sessions(3);(4). Although s material costs and limited faculty time may pose challenges, the study argues that these should not hinder the initiative (3). The broader impact extends beyond individual practitioners, particularly in disciplines like family medicine, where procedural skills are vital. Methods: Phase 2 - Student Survey Summary: In the forthcoming second phase of our research, we will meticulously examine the anticipated impact of a pilot suturing module on the confidence, perceived readiness, and opinions of 3rd and 4th-year medical students. In light of a recognized deficit in suturing proficiency among medical graduates, our approach will involve a structured assessment of a hands-on suturing workshop, which will be introduced during the early pre-clinical years of medical education. Volunteers will be recruited and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups, with the intervention comprising the hands-on suturing workshop. We would expect a significant improvement in confidence levels

among the intervention group compared to the control group. To validate this hypothesis, we will employ a comprehensive assessment strategy that will combine quantifiable indicators and subjective Likert scale measures. Quantifiable indicators, encompassing improvements in technique, instrument identification, and overall quality metrics related to suturing, will be utilized to objectively measure the anticipated impact of the intervention on participants' suturing skills. Simultaneously, Likert scale assessments will delve into the subjective experiences of participants, gauging their anticipated comfort levels and overall satisfaction with the hands-on suturing workshop. This dual-pronged evaluation strategy will seek to provide a nuanced and holistic understanding of the anticipated outcomes of the intervention. By combining anticipated objective, empirical evidence of skill acquisition with anticipated subjective measures of participant satisfaction, our research aims to shed light on the transformative potential anticipated in early preclinical hands-on suturing training. In essence, this phase will stand as a pivotal exploration into the multifaceted anticipated impacts of the intervention on confidence, skill acquisition, and participant satisfaction in the realm of suturing proficiency. Results: Literature Review Findings: The systematic literature review identified key studies providing insights into suturing education in medical training. Study 1, "Early and prolonged opportunities to practice suturing increases medical student comfort with suturing during clerkships: Suturing during cadaver dissection," reported a positive correlation between participation in a suturing workshop and increased confidence among medical students. Study 2, "Comparison of Wound Education in Medical Schools in the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany," highlighted the importance of evaluating suturing skills as part of medical education.

Study 3, "Suturing Skills for Medical Students: A Systematic Review," compared different teaching interventions used to teach suturing and recommended a thorough foundation for future medical students' suturing instruction that is more economical and efficient. Study 4, "Teaching the Simple Suture to Medical Students for Long term Retention of Skill," demonstrated that during a 30-day elective, a single educational session might not be enough to sustain basic suture proficiency. Synthesis of Literature: The narrative synthesis revealed a consistent trend across studies, indicating that exposure to suturing education positively influences medical students' proficiency and confidence levels. The varied methodologies, including workshops and virtual platforms, showcased the adaptability of such educational interventions. Limitations, such as sample sizes and potential biases, were considered in the interpretation of results. Overall, the literature review supports the need for early and comprehensive suturing education in medical training. Comparison between Intervention and Control Groups: Statistical analysis revealed notable group differences over time, with the intervention group exhibiting a more significant positive change in confidence and readiness for wound closure procedures. Qualitative data provided additional insights, capturing students' perceptions of the workshop's value in enhancing their suturing competency. The results collectively suggest that early pre-clinical hands-on suturing training positively impacts medical students' skills, confidence, and overall readiness for future clinical experiences. These findings support the study's objectives, indicating that enhanced pre-clinical training in suturing may effectively improve competency, reduce student anxiety, and better prepare future physicians for the demands of wound closure in various medical specialties.

91 2024 Via Research Recognition Day