In Search of Characterizing Surgical Skill
David Azari1, Caprice Greenberg2, Carla Pugh3
1Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.
Objective:
This paper provides a literature review and detailed discussion of surgical skill terminology. Culminating in a novel model that proposes a set of unique definitions, this review is designed to facilitate shared understanding to study and develop metrics quantifying surgical skill.
Design:
Objective surgical skill analysis depends on consistent definitions and shared understanding of terms like performance, expertise, experience, aptitude, ability, competency, and proficiency.
Structure:
Each term is discussed in turn, drawing from existing literature and colloquial uses.
Implications:
A new model of definitions is proposed to cement a common and consistent lexicon for future skills analysis, and to quantitatively describe a surgeon's performance throughout their career.
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