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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.

Original publication

DOI

10.1136/postgradmedj-2018-135880

Type

Journal article

Journal

Postgrad med j

Publication Date

09/2018

Volume

94

Pages

525 - 530

Keywords

medical education & training, surgery, Clinical Competence, General Surgery, Humans, Learning Curve