Face and Construct Validity of a Grapefruit Arthroscopy Training Model With Active Fluid Management

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Medical Education
• Surgical Simulation

Background:

• Arthroscopic surgery requires specialized skills.
• Effective training models are crucial for developing surgical proficiency.
• Current models may lack realistic fluid management simulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the face and construct validity of a novel grapefruit arthroscopy training model.
• To assess the model's effectiveness across varying levels of arthroscopic experience.
• To determine if the model can differentiate skill levels based on performance.

Main Methods:

• Orthopaedic surgeons (novice, intermediate, advanced) performed standardized tasks on the grapefruit model.
• Performance was measured using a composite score (task completion, accuracy, fluid management) and time.
• Face validity was assessed via attending surgeon surveys; construct validity was analyzed by comparing performance across experience groups.

Main Results:

• Composite scores significantly increased with experience (P < .001).
• Advanced participants outperformed novice and intermediate groups in scores and fluid management (P = .001, P = .009).
• Task completion time decreased significantly with experience (P < .003). Attending surveys supported face validity.

Conclusions:

• The grapefruit arthroscopy training model demonstrates both face and construct validity.
• The model effectively correlates arthroscopic experience with performance metrics.
• It serves as a valuable tool for assessing and developing early arthroscopic skills.