[Assessment tool's validation study for a simulation-based skin suturing skill].

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Skills Training
• Assessment Tool Validation

Background:

• Health simulation is crucial for surgical skills education and validation.
• Developing robust assessment tools is essential for evaluating procedural skills.
• Suturing, a fundamental surgical skill, requires validated assessment methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate a multimodal assessment tool (MAT) for a complex skin suturing exercise.
• To assess the validity and reliability of the MAT for evaluating surgical suturing proficiency.
• To determine the MAT's ability to discriminate between different levels of surgical experience.

Main Methods:

• A multimodal assessment tool (MAT) combining a checklist, speed score, and global rating scale was developed.
• Participants included postgraduate medical students, surgical residents, and senior surgeons performing a skin suturing exercise on a synthetic model.
• Content validity was assessed via a participant satisfaction questionnaire, and reliability was evaluated through intra- and inter-observer assessments.

Main Results:

• The MAT was highly relevant to 98% of participants, with strong internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.78).
• The tool demonstrated significant score improvement from novices to experts, effectively discriminating between skill levels (r=0.79).
• High reliability was observed (intra-observer r=0.88, inter-observer r=0.72), with the global rating scale and speed score showing better discrimination than the checklist.

Conclusions:

• The validated MAT effectively assesses surgical suturing skills based on multiple validity and reliability criteria.
• The MAT, particularly its checklist and global rating scale components, can be proposed to surgical educators.
• This tool aids in evaluating complex suturing exercises, supporting surgical training and skill development.