Improving surgical skills with feedback: directly-observed versus video-recorded practice

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare two methods of feedback: verbal face-to-face feedback after direct observation (F2F-feedback) versus electronic-written feedback after observation of recorded-VDO of student’s performance (VDO-feedback), in terms of effectiveness in improving skill, effects on motivation and satisfaction. BACKGROUND: Medical schools are responsible for teaching and ensuring proficiency of basic surgical skills. Feedback is effective in developing psychomotor skills; by providing information of learner’s current performance, how to improve, and enhancing motivation. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Fifty-eight medical students (3(rd)– 4(th) year) were trained to perform vertical mattress suture in small groups. Then, during 6-week period of self-directed practice, students were randomized into group1 VDO-feedback (male:female = 21:8) and group 2 F2F-feedback (male:female = 20:9). Feedbacks were provided once every 2 weeks (Week2, Week4). End-of-rotation OSCE was at Week6, and retention tested was at Week8. Performance checklist (Cronbach’s Alpha 0.72) was used to assess skill at 4 timepoints; pre- and post- small group learning, OSCE, and retention phase. Questionnaire was used to assess motivation, learning strategies and satisfaction (Cronbach’s Alpha 0.83). RESULT: After in-class learning, further significant improvement of skills could be gained by both F2F- and VDO- feedbacks (p < 0.0001). Both could similarly retain skill for at least 4 weeks later without additional practice. Self-efficacy, test anxiety, and cognitive strategies scores were significantly increased in both groups (p < 0.05). Extrinsic motivation was increased in VDO-feedback group. No difference in satisfaction between groups was observed. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: VDO-feedback could be alternative to F2F-feedbacks for basic surgical skill training when limitation for simultaneous meeting of teacher and students occurs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study has been registered to Thai Clinical Trial Registry (WHO International Clinical Trial Registry Platform) on 11/07/2023 (TCTR20230711005). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12909-023-04635-0.