Effectivity of Distance Learning in the Training of Basic Surgical Skills—A Randomized Controlled Trial

Zsolt Balázs Pintér, Péter Maróti, Eszter Kopjár, Balázs Gasz, Zsófia Duga, Szilárd Rendeki, Bálint Nagy, Zsuzsanna Füzesi and Ádám Tibor Schlégl
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Zsolt Balázs Pintér: Medical Skills Education and Innovation Centre, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
Péter Maróti: 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
Balázs Gasz: Department of Surgical Research and Techniques, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
Zsófia Duga: Marketing and Communications Department, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
Szilárd Rendeki: Medical Skills Education and Innovation Centre, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
Bálint Nagy: Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, Ifjúság 14. útja 13, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
Zsuzsanna Füzesi: Department of Behavioural Sciences, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
Ádám Tibor Schlégl: Medical Skills Education and Innovation Centre, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 8, 1-16

Abstract: Background: Distance learning is an interactive way of education when teachers and students are physically separated. Our purpose was to examine its effectivity in training of basic surgical techniques and to provide an alternative sustainable methodology for the training of medical professionals. Methods: Sixty students were involved in our single blinded randomized controlled study. Six homogenized groups were created then randomized into three groups of distance learning and three groups of in-person teaching. The groups completed the same curriculum using our own “SkillBox”. All students took the same pre- and post-course test evaluated blindly. The students filled out an online feedback form after the course. A financial analysis was also made. Results: There was no significant difference in the post-course exam results (distance 28.200 vs. in-person 25.200). We managed to achieve significantly better improvements in the distance learning of suturing (distance 19.967 vs. in-person 15.900, p = 0.043). According to 93% of the study group students, the quality of teaching did not decrease compared to the traditional classes. Conclusion: The results of the students improved similarly in distance learning and in-person education. The online form of teaching was received positively among the students; they found it an effective and good alternative.

Keywords: distance education; surgical education; RCT; 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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