Perceptions of Competition-Based Learning After a Brief Experience at a National Surgical Meeting

Abstract

Background

Competition-based learning (CBL) facilitates learning through competitions. At the 2022 & 2023 Annual SAGES meetings, we evaluated a CBL experience (TOP GUN Shootout) developed from a modified version of the previously validated TOP GUN Laparoscopic Skills and Suturing Program. The project sought to evaluate the TOP GUN Shootout’s (TGS) ability to enhance participant engagement in pursuit of laparoscopic surgical skills.

Methods

Participants competed in the TGS. Their scores (time and errors) were recorded for: Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery Peg Pass, Cup Drop Task, and Intracorporeal Suturing. All participants completed a 10-question satisfaction survey on a 7-point Likert scale, with questions assessing 3 domains: (1) capability/confidence in MIS skill performance prior to the competition; (2) applicability and satisfaction with TGS’s capacity to develop MIS skills; and (3) interest in seeking additional MIS training and appropriateness of CBL in MIS training. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate these areas.

Results

Overall, 121 participants completed the TGS, of whom 84 (69%) completed the satisfaction survey. The average age was 32.9 years, 67% were males. On average (+/− SD), participant satisfaction was 5.04 (+/− 2.08) for Domain 1, 6.20 (+/− 1.28) for Domain 2, and 6.58 (+/− .95) for Domain 3.

Conclusion

Participants described an overall lack of confidence in their MIS skills prior to the 2022-2023 Annual SAGES conference. Participants felt that this brief CBL experience, aided in the development of their MIS skills. Furthermore, this brief CBL experience may inspire learners to seek out further training of their MIS skills.