Validating simulation and assessment devices in surgery: A review

Abstract

There are standard criteria for scientific soundness that should be used to guide the development of all measures. The most important of these are validity and reliability. These criteria ensure that the ' data produced can be used with a reasonable level of confidence. This paper reviews the procedures required to demonstrate the validity and reliability of surgical simulators. It is concluded that those involved in developing surgical simulators should focus their efforts on demonstrating the construct validity and test-retest reliability of the devices.

New model for skills assessment and training progress in minimally invasive surgery

“…These parameters show significant differences between experts and novices. Therefore we have reasons to regard our model and testing setup as a valid measurement system for skills in laparoscopic surgery (discriminant validity) [2]. Also, the experience gained during a laparoscopic training course could be displayed and translated into measurement values: x c -value (transit profile parameter) increased, standardized time decreased, and error time became shorter.…”