Assessing the surgical skills of trainees in the operating theatre: a prospective observational study of the methodology

Abstract

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Systematic review of predictors of surgical performance

“…Future studies should seek to measure the impact of non-technical skills on operative performance. An assessment tool for these skills has recently been shown to be reliable and easy to use 34 . The simulated operating theatre, which recreates the complex team-based interactions of a real operating theatre 35 , might be the best place to evaluate these skills.…”

A validation study on the use of intra‐operative video recording as an objective assessment tool for core ENT surgery

“…The anonymised procedures were then assessed by two blinded expert raters (Consultant Otologists) using a nine-parameter rating scale (each scored 1-5, maximum score 45; Table S1). This rating scale was derived from the ISCP procedural checklist for myringotomy and grommet insertion (PBA & DOPS) 6 and modified using a global rating tool validated for intra-operative assessment in another ENT micro-surgical procedure. 7 Scores allocated were analysed for inter-rater reliability and combined to calculate an average score for each procedure.…”

“…The primary outcome measures were to determine the construct validity (the extent to which the assessment tests the professional constructs on which they are based, for example by differentiating experience levels of surgeons) 6 and the reliability of video assessment scoring of myringotomy and grommet Insertion by two raters at ENT Consultant level with a subspecialty interest in Otology. As a secondary outcome measure, the performance (by rating) of participants compared to operative time was assessed.…”

“…Video assessment in this form is limited to the operating field and is unable inform the assessor of key aspects of the wider operating room environment. While we acknowledge that our study therefore does not consider other nontechnical skills required of the surgical trainee such as situational awareness, communication, teamwork, decisionmaking and leadership, 6 , it is relevant to note that the study was designed with the assessment of technical skills in mind.…”

“…The authors of the report concluded that further research is required into the additional value of video recording in the educational impact of assessment. 6…”