A decision-making learning and assessment tool in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education
• Medical Simulation
• Laparoscopic Surgery

Background:

• Surgical decision-making is a critical skill acquired over years of training.
• Accelerating this learning process is essential for surgical competency.
• A novel computer-based tool was developed to aid this learning curve.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a self-appraisal computer software for learning and assessment of decision-making in laparoscopic surgery.
• To validate this decision-making tool using intermediate and expert surgeons.
• To evaluate the tool's potential for accelerating surgical training.

Main Methods:

• A computer program with three decision-making modules for laparoscopic cholecystectomy was created.
• Modules included knowledge of operation, surgical technique, and task completion, using recorded surgeries.
• The tool was validated by assessing intermediate and expert surgeons.

Main Results:

• Twenty surgeons (12 intermediate, 8 expert) were assessed, with a mean program time of 21 minutes.
• Construct validity was demonstrated in surgical technique and task completion modules (p < 0.05).
• The tool showed face, content, and concurrent validities.

Conclusions:

• The computer-based decision-making tool for laparoscopic cholecystectomy is valid.
• This tool can facilitate focused surgical training by assessing decision-making processes.
• Future research will investigate if the tool improves or accelerates surgical training.