Randomized surgical training for medical students: resident versus peer-led teaching

OBJECTIVE: Medical students spend significant portions of their time in the operating room, with many learning skills through trial and error. Peer-assisted learning is a useful teaching and learning method. Our hypothesis is that students will perform basic skills in the operating room environment more often when taught by their peers. STUDY DESIGN: Sixty third-year medical students participated in an operating room introduction course. Learners were randomized into 2 cohorts: 1 led by obstetrics and gynecology residents, 1 led by fourth-year medical students. Assessment was performed using an objective, structured clinical exercise. RESULTS: Peer-assisted learners performed more steps correctly during the objective exercise compared with resident-assisted learners (16.1 vs 14.4 of 22 total steps assessed, P < .01). CONCLUSION: Peer-assisted learning may be a useful teaching method for simulation training. Third-year medical students may benefit from this low threat and informal environment.