Continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis training models for medical students: who might they benefit the most?

Introduction: Ophthalmology simulation training enhances medical student microsurgery performance and confidence. Training efficacy may vary based on student characteristics. This study compared continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) performance after guided simulation training (EyeSi, HelpMeSee, or synthetic eye) in medical students with different baseline surgical levels and intended specialties. Methods: Thirty medical students were allocated to low (score <19/36 points) or high (≥19/36) baseline CCC performance group according to their performance on synthetic eye model. All followed simulation training on EyeSi (n=10), or HelpMeSee (n=10), or a synthetic eye model (n=10), according to inclusion order. Post-training CCC performance was assessed on the synthetic eye. Pre- and post-training questionnaires recorded participants’ intended choice of specialty and confidence in microsurgery. The modification of CCC score and confidence after simulation training was compared between the two groups. Results: CCC performance score and confidence improved post-training for all participants (p <0.001). Performance improvement was higher in the low baseline group (p=0.026), while confidence improvement did not differ between groups. Initial intended specialty choices (medical vs. surgical) varied significantly between groups (low baseline: 73% vs. 18%; high baseline: 32% vs. 63%; p=0.018) and remained unchanged after training. Discussion: Simulation training benefits students struggling with surgical skills. However, it may not solely determine interest in surgical careers. Conclusion: Simulation training effectively enhances surgical gesture performance in students with lower initial skills. While these programs may not directly influence students’ career choice, they could identify a potential aptitude for surgery and guide students towards exploring surgical career paths.