Learning curves in surgery: variables, analysis and applications. Issue 1115 (12th September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Valsamis, Epaminondas Markos; Chouari, Tarak; O'Dowd-Booth, Christopher; Rogers, Benedict; Ricketts, David
• Is Part Of: Postgraduate medical journal. Volume 94:Issue 1115(2018)
• Page Start: 525
• Page End: 530
• Publication Date: 2018-09-12
• Subjects: medical education & training -- surgery; Medicine -- Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2018-135880
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-5473

Abstract

Abstract : Learning curves graphically represent the relationship between learning effort and learning outcome. Learning curves are increasingly used in research, the design of randomised controlled trials, the assessment of competency, healthcare education and training programme design. In this review we have outlined the principles behind plotting learning curves, described the common methods used to analyse learning curves, how to interpret learning curves, the multitude of learning models, their applications and potential pitfalls, and the importance of a mathematically rigorous approach to learning curve analytics.