Casting the mould for tomorrow’s surgeons: an integrated approach to clinical anatomy-based surgical teaching (CAST) for medical students - a pilot study

Sadek, Youssef and Baig, Shams Ali and Katti, Karuna (2024) Casting the mould for tomorrow’s surgeons: an integrated approach to clinical anatomy-based surgical teaching (CAST) for medical students - a pilot study. In: BACA Summer Scientific Meeting 2024, 2024-07-02 - 2024-07-02, University of Keele.

Abstract

Conventional didactic surgical teaching methods employed at most medical schools are outdated, with disjointed pre-clinical anatomical and clinical surgical education. To bridge this gap, the CAST model was developed; integrating surgical knowledge with a solid anatomical foundation, based on pedagogical theory. Sessions covering various surgical topics were delivered to medical students (n=27 CAST sessions as an adjunct to conventional teaching, n=27 conventional teaching alone, n=17 CAST alone). Data collection included pre and post session questionnaires and knowledge assessments. Quantitative and thematic analyses were framed by the Kirkpatrick Model. Students exhibited significant improvement in knowledge (p <0.05) and confidence (p<0.05). Scores were significantly higher for those who received CAST sessions as an adjunct to conventional teaching, compared to conventional teaching alone (median [IQR], 70% [60-70%] vs 25% [20-45%], p<0.05). 95% supported including CAST within their curriculum. Thematic analysis revealed that CAST identified and explained difficult concepts effectively and facilitated consolidation of knowledge through clinical experiences. Students also expressed strong interest in using the CAST model to guide learning of surgical concepts. Integrating CAST with conventional teaching is highly supported by students. It showed improvement in students’ learning approach in theoretical and clinical settings. Overall, the CAST model effectively bridges the gap between anatomical and surgical education when used with conventional surgical teaching. Explicit informed consent was obtained from all participants before each session to collect and analyse data on the quality of teaching.