Learning how to suture: Should learners observe a demonstration of someone who is experienced or inexperienced to improve their own performance?

BACKGROUND: We explored the influence of observing experienced or inexperienced demonstrators on a learner's own performance of a simple, interrupted suture. METHODS: Participants without suturing experience observed videos of an experienced or inexperienced demonstrator suturing, rated the performance, and then practiced the task; this was repeated twice more. Suturing performance was rated using a modified Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS). We calculated participants' accuracy in rating the demonstrator's performances. Data were analyzed using mixed model analyses of variance (ANOVAs) and pairwise t-tests. RESULTS: Participants who observed the experienced demonstrator significantly improved their suturing performance. Participants who observed the inexperienced demonstrator became significantly more accurate at rating the demonstrator's performance. CONCLUSIONS: Learners who are new to suturing can improve their suturing performance through observation of an experienced demonstrator and physical practice. While the experiment itself was conducted in-person, learners could engage in this method of learning remotely.