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)
|
Text
148799.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. 396kB |
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 |
University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record