Competency-Based Assessment Tool for Pediatric Esophagoscopy: International Modified Delphi Consensus

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Medical Education
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Pediatric esophagoscopy with foreign body removal is a common procedure.
• Standardized assessment tools are needed to evaluate trainee competency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a competency-based assessment tool for pediatric esophagoscopy with foreign body removal.
• To establish consensus on essential procedural steps among expert surgeons.

Main Methods:

• A blinded, modified Delphi consensus process was employed.
• Sixty-six expert surgeons participated in two rounds of surveys using Research Electronic Data Capture.
• Consensus was defined by specific criteria for item selection and importance rating.

Main Results:

• High response rates were achieved in both survey rounds (59.4% and 82.8%).
• Consensus was reached on 9 task-specific items and 6 previously validated global rating items.
• Experts incorporated 172 comments, refining the assessment criteria.

Conclusions:

• A modified Delphi technique can achieve consensus on critical steps for rigid esophagoscopy with foreign body removal.
• The developed tool can guide trainee focus and standardize evaluation in pediatric esophagoscopy training programs.