Assessing theoretical knowledge related to surgical and clinical skills in Syrian medical students

Clinical and surgical skills are crucial for medical students in the Faculty of Medicine to become competent healthcare professionals. Some of these skills include diagnostic understanding, decision-making patient treatment, suturing, and wound care. Our research aims to enhance students’ clinical and surgical knowledge to improve healthcare training. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in September 2021 to assess the competence of undergraduate medical students and recent graduates of clinical and surgical skills in Syria. An electronic survey was used for data collection because of the logistical challenges. Participants included fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-year students from public and private universities as well as recent graduates. The survey consists of 3 sections: personal information, internal clinical skills, and surgical skills. Of 550 surveys collected, 500 were included in the final sample. The average test score was 8.78/20, indicating a low level of medical knowledge. Gender and university showed a significant association with knowledge level. Damascus and Aleppo scores were higher. Factors, such as financial status, marital status, work status, and academic year, were not significantly associated. Accuracy varied in surgical skill assessment, with suture specification being the most accurate and umbilical hernia CT image scoring the lowest. Clinical skill assessment showed varying accuracy, with initial patient examination being the most accurate, while jugular venous pulse and early signs of DIC showed lowest accuracy. Our study revealed a gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application among Syrian medical students. To address this, we recommend enhanced skills training through small-group sessions in well-equipped laboratories, along with ongoing assessments and clear objectives for teaching basic clinical skills.