One aspect of student evaluation involves determining whether the student has developed a skill level sufficient to function in a clinical setting. A student's ability to suture can be graded based on examination of a completed suture set.
Parameters:
(1) symmetry of stitches
(2) wound adaptation (ideally no gap or step between wound lips observed)
(3) suture tension (ideally no visible strangulation of wound lips)
(4) knot safety (skid test, or slipping resistance under a tension of 1.6 Newtons)
Parameter
Finding
Points
symmetry of stitches
< 25% symmetrical
0
25 – 75%
1
> 75%
2
wound adaptation
< 25%
0
25 – 75%
1
> 75%
2
suture tension
< 25%
0
25 – 75%
1
> 75%
2
knot safety
< 25% safe
0
25 – 75%
1
> 75%
2
from Table 5, page 3
total score =
= SUM(points for all 4 measures)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 8
• minimum performed level = 4
• A student with a score < 4 requires additional training and practice before advancing to the next level.
• A student with a score of 4 – 5 would meet the minimal performance level but requires additional practice.
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