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Validation of a Behavioral Observation System for Evaluating Routine Gonadectomy Surgical Skill
Erik H Hofmeister1, Nalani Yamada2, Brian K Sidaway3
1School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Journal of Veterinary Medical Education
|July 17, 2026
Summary
A new behavioral observation system (BOS) effectively evaluates surgical skills in gonadectomy procedures. This validated tool differentiates student and expert surgeon performance, improving surgical education research.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Surgery
- Surgical Education
- Medical Simulation
Background:
- Assessing surgical skills for research is challenging.
- Behavioral observation systems (BOSs) quantify specific behaviors.
- A valid BOS is needed for surgical skill evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop a BOS for evaluating surgical skills during gonadectomy.
- Provide evidence supporting the validity of the developed BOS.
Main Methods:
- A BOS was created using a Delphi process with veterinary surgeons.
- Twelve gonadectomy procedures (students vs. board-certified surgeons) were filmed.
- Four evaluators scored skills twice; reliability and validity were assessed.
Main Results:
- An 11-skill BOS was developed from an initial list of 33.
- Significant differences in BOS scores were found between student and board-certified surgeons (p < .001).
- High intra- and interrater reliability (ICC > 0.8) and correlation with surgery duration were observed.
Conclusions:
- The developed BOS is valid and reliable for assessing gonadectomy surgical skills.
- This tool can enhance the quality of data in surgical education research.
- Further research will continue to accrue evidence for the BOS's validity.