Background: Laparoscopic skill acquisition involves a steep learning curve and laparoscopic suturing is an exceptionally challenging task. By improving the way feedback is given, trainees can learn these skills more effectively. This study aims to establish the most effective form of structured feedback on laparoscopic suturing skill acquisition in novices, by comparing the effects of expert verbal feedback, video review with expert feedback (video feedback), and video review with self-assessment.
Methods: A prospective randomized blinded trial comparing verbal feedback, video feedback, and self-assessment. Novices in laparoscopic surgery were tasked with performing laparoscopic suturing with intracorporeal knot tying. Time was given for practice, and pre- and post-feedback assessments were undertaken. Suturing performance was measured using a task-specific checklist and global ratings. A post-study questionnaire was used to measure participant-perceived confidence, knowledge, and experience levels.
Results: Fifty-one participants were randomized and allocated equally into the three groups. Performance in all three groups improved significantly from baseline. Video feedback had the largest improvement margin with checklist and global score improvements of 17.1% (± 9.9%) and 14.7% (± 9.3%), respectively. Performance improvements between groups were statistically significant in the global components (p = 0.004) but not the checklist components (p = 0.186). Global score improvement was significantly better in the video feedback group but was statistically insignificant between the self-assessment and verbal feedback groups. Questionnaire responses demonstrated positive results in confidence, knowledge, and experience levels, across all three study groups, with no differences between the groups (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Structured video feedback facilitates reflection and self-directed learning, which improves the ability to develop proficiency in surgical skills. Combining both self-assessment and video feedback may be beneficial over verbal feedback alone due to the advantages of video review. These techniques should therefore be considered for implementation into surgical education curricula.
Keywords: Education; Minimal access training; Self-assessment; Simulation; Video feedback.