The examination assessment of technical competence in vascular surgery.

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND: The European Board of Surgery Qualification in Vascular Surgery is a pan-European examination for vascular surgeons who have attained a national certificate of completion of specialist training. A 2-year study was conducted before the introduction of a technical skills assessment in the examination. METHODS: The study included 30 surgeons: 22 candidates and eight examiners. They were tested on dissection (on a synthetic saphenofemoral junction model), anastomosis (on to anterior tibial artery of a synthetic leg model) and dexterity (a knot-tying simulator with electromagnetic motion analysis). Validated rating scales were used by two independent examiners. Composite knot-tying scores were calculated for the computerized station. The stations were weighted 35, 45 and 20 percent, respectively. RESULTS: Examiners performed better than candidates in the dissection (P<0.001), anastomosis (P=0.002) and dexterity (P=0.005) stations. Participants performed consistently in the examination (dissection versus anastomosis: r=0.79, P<0.001; dexterity versus total operative score: r=-0.73, P<0.001). Interobserver reliability was high (alpha=0.91). No correlation was seen between a candidate's technical skill and oral examination performance or logbook-accredited scores. CONCLUSION: Current surgical examinations do not address technical competence. This model appears to be a valid assessment of technical skills in an examination setting. The standards are set at a level appropriate for a specialist vascular surgeon. Copyright (c) 2006 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd.

Author information

Author/s: Pandey, V A (VA); Wolfe, J H N (JH); Liapis, C D (CD); Bergqvist, D (D); European Board of Vascular Surgery;

Affiliation: Regional Vascular Unit, Mary Stanford Wing, St. Mary's Hospital, London W2 1NY, UK, and Department of Athens University School of Medicine, Greece.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Validation Studies

Journal: The British journal of surgery (Br J Surg), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Sep; vol 93 (issue 9) : pp 1132-8

Dates: Created 2006/08/30; Completed 2006/09/28;

PMID: 16862608, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

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