Measurement of surgical performance for delivery of a competency-based training curriculum

Abstract

In order to provide a high quality health care service to the public, it is essential to employ proficient practitioners, using tools to the highest of their abilities. Surgery being a craft speciality, the focus is on an assessment of technical skill within the operating theatre. However, objective and reliable methods to measure technical skill within the operating theatre do not exist. Numerous research groups, including our own, have reported the objectivity, validity and reliability of technical skills assessments in surgical disciplines. The development and application of objective and reliable technical skills assessments of surgeons performing innovative procedures within the operating theatre can allow a judgement to be made with regard to the credentialing of surgeons to integrate novel procedures into their clinical practice. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2010.