Intensive continuing medical education course training on simulators results in proficiency for laparoscopic suturing

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing a validated suturing curriculum as a free-standing continuing medical education (CME) course. Methods: Eighteen participants (9 practicing surgeons, 9 surgery residents) attended a 4-hour laparoscopic suturing CME course. After viewing an instructional videotape all participants had their baseline performance measured on a fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery-type videotrainer suture model. Participants then practiced on the model with active instruction from 6 proctors until a previously reported proficiency level was achieved or until the course ended. Performance was scored objectively based on time and errors. Precourse and postcourse questionnaires were collected. Results: Participants trained for 2.6 ± .8 hours and performed 37 ± 11 repetitions. Although no participant was proficient at baseline, 72% achieved the proficiency level by the end of the course. Participants showed 44% improvement in objective scores and 34% improvement according to subjective self-rating. Conclusions: Although 4 hours may be insufficient for some trainees, an intensive half-day CME course is feasible and effective in significantly improving performance and allowing the majority of participants to achieve proficiency.