The Basic Surgical Skills course in sub-Saharan Africa: an observational study of effectiveness

Fergusson, S., Sedgwick, D. M., Ntakiyiruta, G. and Ntirenganya, F. (2018) The Basic Surgical Skills course in sub-Saharan Africa: an observational study of effectiveness. World Journal of Surgery, 42(4), pp. 930-936. (doi: 10.1007/s00268-017-4274-2) (PMID:29058067)

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Abstract

Background: The Basic Surgical Skills (BSS) course is a common component of postgraduate surgical training programmes in sub-Saharan Africa, but was originally designed in a UK context, and its efficacy and relevance have not been formally assessed in Africa. Methods: An observational study was carried out during a BSS course delivered to early-stage surgical trainees from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Technical skill in a basic wound closure task was assessed in a formal Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSAT) before and after course completion. Participants completed a pre-course questionnaire documenting existing surgical experience and self-perceived confidence levels in surgical skills which were to be taught during the course. Participants repeated confidence ratings and completed course evaluation following course delivery. Results: A cohort of 17 participants had completed a pre-course median of 150 Caesarean sections as primary operator. Performance on the OSAT improved from a mean of 10.5/17 pre-course to 14.2/17 post-course (mean of paired differences 3.7, p < 0.001). Improvements were seen in 15/17 components of wound closure. Pre-course, only 47% of candidates were forming hand-tied knots correctly and 38% were appropriately crossing hands with each throw, improving to 88 and 76%, respectively, following the course (p = 0.01 for both components). Confidence levels improved significantly in all technical skills taught, and the course was assessed as highly relevant by trainees. Conclusion: The Basic Surgical Skills course is effective in improving the basic surgical technique of surgical trainees from sub-Saharan Africa and their confidence in key technical skills.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Fergusson, Mr Stuart
Authors: Fergusson, S., Sedgwick, D. M., Ntakiyiruta, G., and Ntirenganya, F.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:World Journal of Surgery
Publisher:Springer
ISSN:0364-2313
ISSN (Online):1432-2323
Published Online:20 October 2017
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 The Authors
First Published:First published in World Journal of Surgery 42(4):930-936
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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