Development of a formative feedback tool for transanal total mesorectal excision

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Surgery
• Surgical Education
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is an emerging technique for rectal cancer treatment.
• Current TaTME training lacks a structured feedback mechanism for surgical trainees.
• A need exists for a tool to guide operators during the learning phase of TaTME.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a consensus-based formative feedback tool for the critical steps of the transanal portion of TaTME.
• To create a structured guide for surgeons acquiring proficiency in TaTME.

Main Methods:

• A two-round Delphi study involving TaTME experts was conducted.
• Experts rated the relevance of surgical steps using a Likert scale to achieve consensus (>80%).
• Performance anchors were developed, and the final tool was evaluated for feasibility and usefulness.

Main Results:

• Fifteen experts participated in the Delphi study, resulting in a 15-item feedback tool.
• The developed tool was rated highly for feasibility and usefulness by respondents.
• All respondents believed the tool enhances learner feedback and would use it in training.

Conclusions:

• A novel, consensus-derived formative feedback tool for transanal total mesorectal excision has been developed.
• This tool addresses the current gap in structured feedback for TaTME training.
• The tool is considered feasible and useful for enhancing surgical education in TaTME.