Benchmark Development for Fundamental Arthroscopic Skills Using a Simulation-Based Training Program: Observational...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Medical Simulation
• Surgical Education

Background:

• Traditional surgical education models are evolving due to various pressures.
• Simulation-based training is increasingly adopted in surgical education.
• The Fundamentals of Arthroscopic Surgery Training (FAST) program was developed to address the need for standardized arthroscopic skill assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish proficiency benchmarks for five modules within the FAST workstation.
• To define efficiency and precision standards for basic arthroscopic skills.

Main Methods:

• Sports medicine faculty performed FAST modules after brief instruction and practice.
• Each module was performed three times with both dominant and non-dominant hands.
• Mean faculty performance data were used to set time (efficiency) and error (precision) benchmarks.

Main Results:

• Specific time and error benchmarks were established for Probing, Ring Transfer, Maze, Meniscectomy, and Suture Passing modules.
• For example, the Probing module benchmark is <95 seconds with 0 errors, and the Suture Passing module is <195 seconds with <=1 error.

Conclusions:

• The FAST workstation serves as a validated proficiency-based tool for developing arthroscopic skills.
• Established benchmarks balance efficiency and precision for skills transferable to arthroscopic surgery.
• This program facilitates safe and effective arthroscopic skill acquisition for residents outside the OR.