Implementation of the Vascular Surgery Board virtual certifying examination

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Board Certification

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated adaptations in medical education and assessment.
• In-person Vascular Surgery Board certifying examinations (CEs) were postponed due to pandemic restrictions.
• Virtual certifying examinations (VVCEs) were developed to ensure timely certification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the development and implementation of the first two Vascular Surgery Board virtual certifying examinations (VVCEs).
• To evaluate the outcomes and participant satisfaction of these VVCEs.
• To assess the feasibility and psychometric soundness of virtual, image-based board examinations.

Main Methods:

• The VVCE format mirrored the in-person examination, including sessions, examiners, and questions, with added proctors and image integration.
• Participants received format instructions and underwent technology checks.
• Post-examination surveys were administered to candidates, examiners, proctors, and hosts.

Main Results:

• High completion rates (99.7%) were achieved for the VVCEs.
• Pass rates (97.6% and 94.7%) were comparable to previous in-person examinations.
• Participants reported high satisfaction with the virtual format and technology, with candidates favoring future VVCEs.

Conclusions:

• The Vascular Surgery Board VVCEs were psychometrically sound and successful.
• Image-based virtual examinations are feasible for surgical board certification.
• Virtual examinations offer a viable and potentially standardizable alternative for future certification processes.