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A CRASH course in procedural skills improves medical students' self-assessment of proficiency, confidence, and anxiety.

Stewart RA, Hauge LS, Stewart RD, Rosen RL, Charnot-Katsikas A, Prinz RA,

Department of General Surgery and Office of Medical Student Programs, Rush University Medical Center, 1653 W. Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. Robyn_Stewart@rush.edu

BACKGROUND: Medical students enter the clinical education years with minimal exposure to procedural skills. This study aims to determine the effect of a pre-clinical skills course on students' ratings of proficiency, confidence, and anxiety levels. METHODS: An elective pre-clinical course in procedural skills was given to medical students prior to clinical rotations. Self-assessment of proficiency, confidence, and anxiety in performing these skills was made prior to and on completion of the course. RESULTS: Course participants reported low proficiency and confidence, and high anxiety regarding performing procedural skills. Following the course, there was significant improvement in self-assessed proficiency, confidence, and anxiety. There were no gender differences in responses. CONCLUSIONS: Medical students entering clinical rotations have poor self-assessment of proficiency, low confidence, and high anxiety regarding procedural skills. A concentrated course in procedural skills significantly improved students' assessment of their proficiency, confidence, and anxiety levels.

Published 21 May 2007 in Am J Surg, 193(6): 771-3.
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