Student self-assessment after Essential Surgical Skills training for final-year medical students at Gulu University, northern Uganda

Background: Medical practice depends on a set of essential clinical and surgical skills, yet inadequate attention is given to training these skills in medical school. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Essential Surgical Skills® (ESS) training on self-report comfort levels in performing surgical skills among final-year medical students at Gulu University in Gulu, Uganda. Methods: This study analysed 5 years’ worth of pre- and post-course ESS self-evaluation questionnaires completed by final-year medical students attending Gulu University between 2013 and 2017. Pre- and post-course results were compared using Student’s t-test. ESS elements covered over the 5-day course were: surgery fundamentals; respiratory and anaesthesia skills; and skills related to gastrointestinal, obstetric, and orthopaedic surgery. Results: There was a significant improvement in the students’ level of comfort related to all ESS components when pre- and post-course questionnaire responses were compared (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Medical schools should emphasize training of essential clinical and surgical skills because these give medical students the confidence and proficiency needed in clinical practice. Keywords: surgical skills; education; training; medical school; Uganda; Somalia