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A global Delphi consensus study on defining and measuring quality in surgical training
Pritam Singh1, Rajesh Aggarwal2, Boris Zevin3
1Division of Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital, London, UK.
Journal of the American College of Surgeons
|July 17, 2014
Summary
High-quality surgical training elements and measurement methods were defined by international experts. The Surgical Training Quality Assessment Tool (S-QAT) was developed to evaluate surgical education programs and improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training Quality
- Healthcare Professional Development
Background:
- Patient outcomes are linked to surgical training quality.
- A standardized tool is needed to measure and improve surgical training.
- Defining high-quality surgical training is crucial for enhancing standards.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define key elements of high-quality surgical training.
- To establish reliable methods for measuring surgical training quality.
- To develop a validated assessment tool for surgical education.
Main Methods:
- Modified Delphi methodology with international expert consensus.
- Online surveys with 83 surgical education experts from 13 countries.
- Development of the Surgical Training Quality Assessment Tool (S-QAT) based on expert rankings.
Main Results:
- Consensus achieved (Cronbach's α = 0.930) after two voting rounds.
- Thirty-five statements selected as themes for the S-QAT.
- Key areas include trainer-trainee relationships, operative exposure, feedback, and structured teaching.
Conclusions:
- International consensus reached on defining and measuring surgical training quality.
- The S-QAT provides a framework for evaluating surgical training programs.
- Measuring training quality can foster competition and elevate surgical education standards.
