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Construct validity of a novel, objective evaluation tool for the basics of open laparotomy training using a simulated
Lawrence Greenawald1, Jorge Uribe1, Faiz Shariff1
1Department of Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
American Journal of Surgery
|May 15, 2017
Summary
An objective evaluation for simulated abdominal surgery was developed and validated. The Basics of Open Laparotomy Training (BOLT) curriculum showed promise in improving novice surgical skills.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Education
- Medical Simulation
- Assessment Tools
Background:
- Developing objective evaluations for surgical procedures is crucial for training.
- Simulated environments offer a safe platform for surgical skill assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and implement an objective evaluation for simulated abdominal surgery (laparotomy).
- To assess the construct validity of this evaluation tool.
- To pilot the Basics of Open Laparotomy Training (BOLT) curriculum for efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Created a laparotomy assessment based on literature and expert surgeon input.
- Evaluated construct validity by comparing expert and novice performance on a viscoelastic model.
- Piloted the BOLT curriculum with junior residents to assess training effectiveness.
Main Results:
- Surgical experts significantly outperformed novices in opening, closing, and overall simulated laparotomy performance.
- Novices demonstrated more frequent bowel injuries and longer procedure times compared to experts.
- Novices showed significant improvement in all performance metrics after completing the BOLT curriculum.
Conclusions:
- The developed evaluation tool demonstrates construct validity for simulated laparotomy.
- The BOLT curriculum shows promise as an effective training program for novice surgeons.
