Digital video documentation as evidence of clinical skill acquisition

Video recordings have become requirements for the assessment and recording of the consulting skills module of the MRCGP examination and surgical skill modules for the post FRCS hand diploma examination. Previous research has shown that the knowledge and judgement skills needed by trainees to achieve operative competence can be reliably assessed using structured checklists. However evaluation of surgical competency should also include technical skills, which have been difficult to document adequately and transparently. There is now evidence demonstrating that surgeons can discriminate between the video recordings of a competent and non-competent trainee. Like those of previous researchers our findings indicate that intra-operative video monitoring enables an objective and permanent recordable assessment of the a trainees skill level whilst completing the checklist after a particular procedure. Video evidence can also be distributed widely to assessors outside the trainee's locale.