This paper describes the development and pilot testing of a computer-b
ased self-directed training module designed to teach basic suturing to
medical students. The module was developed in a cooperative effort be
tween physicians, audiovisual technicians and computer programmers. A
group of 14 first-year medical students were then recruited and traine
d in wound management and suturing using the self-directed training mo
dule. These students were then tested in an Objective Structured Clini
cal Examination (OSCE) format and their scores compared with those of
a group of 18 fourth-year students trained in the traditional in the t
raditional manner. In comparing the first-year students with the fourt
h-year students the mean scores on the OSCE were similar (14.7 vs 15.4
). There is no statistical difference between these mean scores and th
eir ranking (Mann-Whitney chi(2) statistic = 0.53; 1 df; p = 0.47). Ou
r pilot study suggests that this training module for basic suturing ma
y be an effective tool for teaching undergraduate medical students.