Related Experiment Videos
Open thoracotomy procedural competency: validity study of teaching and assessment modalities
D M Chapman1, K J Rhee, J A Marx
1University of California, Davis, Medical Center, Sacramento, USA.
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|December 1, 1996
Summary
The pig model is the most reliable and valid method for assessing open thoracotomy procedural competency, outperforming paper and computer simulations. Computer practice improved computer assessment scores but not pig model performance.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Skills Assessment
- Procedural Competency Evaluation
Background:
- Assessing open thoracotomy procedural competency is crucial for surgical training.
- Existing assessment modalities include paper, computer simulations, and animal models.
- The reliability and validity of these methods require rigorous evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reliability and validity of paper, computer, and pig models for assessing open thoracotomy skills.
- To determine the impact of computer-based practice on procedural performance across these modalities.
Main Methods:
- An experimental design assessed volunteer physicians using paper, computer, and pig models.
- Independent variables included physician training level and computer practice type (thoracotomy/cricothyrotomy).
- Performance was measured by time and accuracy for key thoracotomy steps.
Main Results:
- The pig model reliably differentiated performance based on training level.
- Computer simulation did not significantly differentiate performance by training level.
- Computer practice improved computer assessment scores but not pig model performance; sequential ordering of steps predicted pig model success.
Conclusions:
- The pig model is the superior criterion standard for open thoracotomy competency assessment due to its psychometric properties.
- Computer simulation and paper modeling show potential for teaching prerequisite skills for psychomotor competency.