Twelve tips for assessing surgical performance and use of technical assessment scales

Abstract

Using validated assessment scales for technical competence can help structure and standardize assessment and feedback for both the trainee and the supervisor and thereby avoid bias and drive learning. Correct assessment of operative skills can establish learning curves and allow adequate monitoring. However, the assessment of surgical performance is not an easy task, since it includes many proxy parameters, which are hard to measure. Although numerous technical assessment scales exist, both within laparoscopic and open surgery, the validity evidence is often sparse, and this can raise doubts about reliability and educational outcome. Furthermore, the implementation of technical assessment scales varies due to several obstacles and doubts about accurate use. In this 12-tips article, we aim to give the readers a critical and useful appraisal of some of the common questions and misunderstandings regarding the use of surgical assessment scales and provide tips to ease and overcome potential pitfalls.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Notes on contributors

Jeanett Strandbygaard, MD, PhD, is a resident in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet. Her PhD covered the implementation of a laparoscopic simulation curriculum in OBGYN, and her special interest is now surgical assessment, with a special emphasis on structuring and implementing assessment.

Fedde Scheele, MD, PhD, specialized in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dean and Gynecologist in the OLVG Teaching Hospital. He is professor in Health Systems Innovation and Education at the School of Medical Sciences of the VUmc Medical Center and at the Athena Institute for Trans Disciplinary Research, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Jette Led Sorensen, MD, PhD, specialized in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Associate Professor at University of Copenhagen. Her research interest is inter-professional and simulation-based medical education in surgery and obstetrics.