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Validating the Use of Peer-Assisted Learning Laparoscopic Simulation Training for Medical Students

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Abstract

Medical students are often passive observers in laparoscopic theatres due to their lack of basic laparoscopic skill competence, which negatively impacts their education. This study aims to (1) validate the use of peer-assisted learning (PAL) to teach medical students basic laparoscopic skills on low-cost simulators and (2) compare the efficacy of PAL training between pre-clinical and clinical medical students to ascertain when this training should be introduced. Our results demonstrate significant training efficacy at both levels, suggesting that PAL simulation may be implemented at either stage of training, but may garner better retention of confidence and knowledge in the clinical medical students.

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Correspondence to Parker O’Neill.

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We have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

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Ethical approval is not required. Evaluation of educational course with full informed consent gained from participants. No health outcomes were measured, and the participants were anonymised with no personal data collected or stored.

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Voluntary informed consent was gained from all participants.

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Schaffer, S., O’Neill, P., Hassan, S. et al. Validating the Use of Peer-Assisted Learning Laparoscopic Simulation Training for Medical Students. Med.Sci.Educ. 31, 359–363 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40670-020-01199-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40670-020-01199-2

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