Virtual medical student dermatologic surgery workshop increases confidence in suturing and skin biopsy skills in the era of COVID-19

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many pre-clinical medical school courses were conducted virtually. In order to increase exposure basic procedures in remote learning setting, our group developed a virtual dermatologic surgery workshop.
 Objective: To evaluate whether workshop increases student confidence their ability perform suturing and skin biopsies.
 Methods: All 147 second-year students at University of Pittsburgh watched 70 minutes pre-recorded lectures that introduced suturing, biopsies, other procedures. Each was provided with kit remotely practice following skills: simple interrupted suture, running horizontal mattress vertical subcuticular shave biopsy, punch biopsy. Pre- post-workshop surveys distributed paired using randomized de-identified number.
 Results: 117 (80%) completed pre-survey 71 (48%) post-survey. 61 (41%) responses paired. The average baseline level ranged from 1.0 on 10-point scale for suture 2.4 suture. increased after each skill, ranging 3.7 8.0 instrument tie. responses, significantly skill by an 5.5 points (SD=1.1, p<.001).
 Conclusions: A virtual, asynchronous biopsies.