Real-Time Dual Video Conferencing of Simulated Tracheostoma Maturation During Residency Interviews

There are few reports of dexterity tests being done in a distance telecommunication setting for residency applicant evaluation.

To report the feasibility and suitability of a virtual suturing skills assessment during residency interviews when added to the standard assessment process.

A suturing simulation was developed and implemented during otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS) residency interviews for the 2020-2021 cycle at one program. On the day of the interview, the activity was completed in real time using 2-camera video conferencing with the 2 resident assessors providing a numerical assessment based on an adapted scoring rubric from prior suturing activities at the institution. The exercise involved suturing a 3/4-inch Penrose drain circumferentially with half-vertical mattress stitches to simulate the maturation of a tracheostoma. The residency selection committee then completed a 7-item Likert-type survey, developed by the authors, to evaluate the simulation exercise.

Fifty-one applicants representing all interviewees in the cycle successfully completed this assessment without technologic disruptions. The total cost associated with obtaining and providing the necessary supplies to applicants was $34.78 per interviewee. Time required to complete the suturing task was estimated to range from 10 to 20 minutes. The residency selection committee viewed this exercise as a success (14 of 16, 87.5%) and viewed the results as a valuable adjunct in the overall assessment of candidates (15 of 16, 93.8%).

A simple motor exercise completed over real-time telecommunication was feasible and perceived as helpful to the residency selection committee when assessing OHNS residency candidates.