Distance Education for Basic Surgical Skills Using Homemade Tools—DIY Methods for Emergency Situations

Ádám Tibor Schlégl, Zsolt Balázs Pintér, Anna Kovács, Eszter Kopjár, Péter Varga, Dániel Kardos, Krisztina Berner-Juhos, Péter Maróti and Zsuzsanna Füzesi
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Ádám Tibor Schlégl: Medical Skills Education and Innovation Centre, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
Zsolt Balázs Pintér: Medical Skills Education and Innovation Centre, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
Anna Kovács: Medical Skills Education and Innovation Centre, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
Eszter Kopjár: Medical Skills Education and Innovation Centre, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
Péter Varga: Department of Primary Health Care, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
Dániel Kardos: Department of Paediatrics, Medical School, University of Pécs, Akác u. 1, H-7632 Pécs, Hungary
Krisztina Berner-Juhos: Department of Surgical Research and Techniques, Heart and Vascular Center, Medical School, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Nagyvárad tér 4, H-1089 Budapest, Hungary
Péter Maróti: Medical Skills Education and Innovation Centre, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
Zsuzsanna Füzesi: Division of Medical Education Development and Communication, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 14, 1-14

Abstract: The aim of our research was to establish a reproducible curriculum that offers the possibility to gain basic surgical skills (knot tying, suturing, laparoscopy basics) through distance education in emergency situations by using tools available in the household. Forty-six volunteering third- and fourth-year medical students were involved in the study. The distance education system was set up using homemade or easily obtainable tools (an empty can, shoe box, sponge, etc.) to teach surgical knotting, suturing, and basic laparoscopic skills. The reachable learning objectives were contrasted with the original course plan. Feedback from the students has been collected. The students’ results were compared to the regular course of the previous years. Seventy-nine percent of the original learning objectives could be reached completely, and 15% partially. The necessary tools were available for 82% of the students. The students evaluated the course for 4.26 in general and 4.86 considering the circumstances (on a 5-level-scale). The homemade trainers were assessed over four as an acceptable substitution. Students’ exam results decreased only by 7% compared to the previous two years. Basic surgical skills can be educated with acceptable efficiency and student satisfaction using distance teaching and homemade tools. This is the first study where not only the simulators but the surgical instruments were replaced with household tools and evaluated by a reproducible curriculum.

Keywords: distance education; surgical education; surgical skills; COVID-19; medical training; suturing; knotting; innovation; science education (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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