A CRASH course in procedural skills improves medical students’ self-assessment of proficiency, confidence, and anxiety

Background Medical students enter the clinical education years with minimal exposure to procedural skills. This study aims to determine the effect of a pre-clinical skills course on students’ ratings of proficiency, confidence, and anxiety levels. Methods An elective pre-clinical course in procedural skills was given to medical students prior to clinical rotations. Self-assessment of proficiency, confidence, and anxiety in performing these skills was made prior to and on completion of the course. Results Course participants reported low proficiency and confidence, and high anxiety regarding performing procedural skills. Following the course, there was significant improvement in self-assessed proficiency, confidence, and anxiety. There were no gender differences in responses. Conclusions Medical students entering clinical rotations have poor self-assessment of proficiency, low confidence, and high anxiety regarding procedural skills. A concentrated course in procedural skills significantly improved students’ assessment of their proficiency, confidence, and anxiety levels.