Student self-assessment after Essential Surgical Skills training for final-year medical students at Gulu University, northern Uganda
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Date
2018
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
East And Central African Journal of Surgery
Abstract
Background
Medical practice depends on a set of essential clinical and surgical skills, yet inadequate attention is given to training these skills
in medical school. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Essential Surgical Skills® (ESS) training on self-report comfort levels in
performing surgical skills among final-year medical students at Gulu University in Gulu, Uganda.
Methods
This study analysed 5 years’ worth of pre- and post-course ESS self-evaluation questionnaires completed by final-year medical
students attending Gulu University between 2013 and 2017. Pre- and post-course results were compared using Student’s t-test.
ESS elements covered over the 5-day course were: surgery fundamentals; respiratory and anaesthesia skills; and skills related to
gastrointestinal, obstetric, and orthopaedic surgery.
Results
There was a significant improvement in the students’ level of comfort related to all ESS components when pre- and post-course
questionnaire responses were compared (P < 0.001).
Conclusions
Medical schools should emphasize training of essential clinical and surgical skills because these give medical students the confidence
and proficiency needed in clinical practice.
Description
Keywords
surgical skills, education, training, medical school, Uganda, Somalia
Citation
Okello, T. R., Mugabi, P., Hwang, G., Sutter, M., & Lett, R. (2018). Student self-assessment after Essential Surgical Skills training for final-year medical students at Gulu University, northern Uganda. East and Central African Journal of Surgery, 23(1), 18–21. https://doi.org/10.4314/ecajs.v23i1