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Learning curves in surgical practice

¹ Department of Surgery, Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny, UK
² Department of Surgery, Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor, UK
³ Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK

Correspondence to:
Mr A N Hopper, General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Nevill Hall Hospital, Brecon Road, Abergavenny NP7 7EG, UK; hopper31{at}talktalk.net

Learning curves are often referred to in the context of medical education and training, though their trajectories and natures are a matter of debate. The origins of this concept derive from industry and its relevance to contemporary medicine and surgery remains controversial. We describe the history, derivation, character and possible mechanisms to deal with the implications of learning curves in the current climate of clinical governance and modernising medical careers.

Keywords: education; learning; training