Sonographic assessment of the subscapularis after reverse shoulder arthroplasty: impact of tendon integrity on shoulder function.

BACKGROUND: The deltopectoral approach for reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) requires subscapularis tenotomy or lesser tuberosity osteotomy. Whether the subscapularis should be repaired at the conclusion of the procedure remains controversial. The present study sonographically assessed the subscapularis after RSA and evaluated the effect of tendon integrity on functional outcome. METHODS: All patients who had undergone RSA in the Gold Coast University Hospital between 2005 and 2016 were included. Sonography was performed by a blinded examiner. Function was assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, the Constant-Murley, and Oxford Shoulder scores. Internal rotation ability was recorded on a 6-point scale. RESULTS: The study included 43 patients (48 shoulders). Median length of follow-up was 19 months (range, 4-132 months). On sonography, the subscapularis was graded intact in 6 shoulders (13%), intact with mild attenuation in 16 (33%), severely attenuated in 15 (31%), and not intact or absent in 11 (23%). Differences in Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, Constant-Murley, or Oxford Shoulder scores between intact and attenuated or absent subscapularis shoulders were not significant. Internal rotation scores were significantly higher in the intact and mildly attenuated tendon group than in the absent tendon group (U = 1.0, P = .001 and U = 28.5, P = .007, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The present work is the first long-term outcome study of RSA using sonography to assess the subscapularis. Subscapularis integrity did not appear to have a measurable effect on patient outcome as measured by standard scores but was important for internal rotation ability after RSA.

Implementation of an Effective Strategy for Teaching Nontechnical Skills in the Operating Room: A Single-blinded Nonrandomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of debriefing and feedback on intraoperative nontechnical performance as an instructional strategy in surgical training. BACKGROUND: Regulatory authorities for accreditation in North America have included nontechnical skills such as communication and teamwork in the competencies to be acquired by surgical residents before graduation. Concrete recommendations regarding the training and assessment of these competencies, however, are lacking. METHODS: Nonrandomized, single-blinded study using an interrupted time-series design. Eleven senior surgical residents were observed during routine cases in the operating room (OR) at baseline and post-training. The Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS) rating system was used. Observers were trained in NOTSS and blinded to the study purpose. Independent of the blinded observations, a surgeon educator conducted intraoperative observations, which served as the basis for the structured debriefing and feedback intervention. The intervention was administered to participants after a set of (blinded) baseline observations had been completed. Primary outcome was nontechnical performance in the OR as measured by the NOTSS system. Secondary outcome was perceived utility as assessed by a post-training questionnaire. RESULTS: Twelve senior trainees were recruited, 11 completed the study. Average NOTSS scores improved significantly from 3.2 (SD 0.37) at baseline to 3.5 (SD 0.43) post-training [t(10) = -2.55, P = 0.29]. All participants felt the intervention was useful, and the majority thought that debriefing and feedback on nontechnical skills should be integrated in surgical training. CONCLUSIONS: Debriefing and feedback in the OR may represent an effective strategy to ensure development of nontechnical skills in competency-based education.

Structured Training to Improve Nontechnical Performance of Junior Surgical Residents in the Operating Room: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of structured training on junior trainees' nontechnical performance in an operating room (OR) environment. BACKGROUND: Nontechnical skills (NTS) have been identified as critical competencies of surgeons in the OR, and regulatory bodies have mandated their integration in postgraduate surgical curricula. Strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of curricular NTS training, however, is lacking. METHODS: Junior surgical residents were randomized to receive either conventional residency training or additional NTS training in a 2-month curriculum. Learning was assessed through a knowledge quiz and an attitudes survey. Nontechnical performance was evaluated by blinded assessment of standardized OR crisis simulations at baseline (BL) and posttraining (PT) using the Nontechnical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS) and Objective Structured Assessment of Nontechnical Skills (OSANTS) rating systems. Results are reported as median (interquartile ranges). RESULTS: Of 23 participants, 22 completed BL and PT assessments. Groups were equal at BL. At PT, curriculum-trained residents (n = 11) scored higher than conventionally trained residents (n = 11) in knowledge [12 (11-13) vs 8 (6-10), P < 0.001] and attitudes [4.58 (4.37-4.73) vs 4.20 (4.00-4.50), P = 0.008] about NTS. In a simulated OR, nontechnical performance of curriculum-trained residents improved significantly from BL to PT [NOTSS: 10 (7-11) vs 13 (10-15), P = 0.012; OSANTS: 23 (17-28) vs 31 (25-33), P = 0.012] whereas conventionally trained residents did not improve [NOTSS: 10 (10-13) vs 11 (9-14), P = 1.00; OSANTS: 26 (24-32) vs 24 (23-32), P = 0.713]. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate the effectiveness of structured curricular training in improving nontechnical performance in the first year of surgical residency, supporting routine implementation of nontechnical components in postgraduate surgical curricula.

Validating a standardized laparoscopy curriculum for gynecology residents: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Residency programs struggle with integrating simulation training into curricula, despite evidence that simulation leads to improved operating room performance and patient outcomes. Currently, there is no standardized laparoscopic training program available for gynecology residents. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a comprehensive ex vivo training curriculum for gynecologic laparoscopy. STUDY DESIGN: In a prospective, single-blinded randomized controlled trial (Canadian Task Force Classification I) postgraduate year 1 and 2 gynecology residents were allocated randomly to receive either conventional residency training or an evidence-based laparoscopy curriculum. The 7-week curriculum consisted of cognitive didactic and interactive sessions, low-fidelity box trainer and high-fidelity virtual reality simulator technical skills, and high-fidelity team simulation. The primary outcome measure was the technical procedure score at laparoscopic salpingectomy with the use of the objective structured assessment of laparoscopic salpingectomy tool. Secondary outcome measures related to performance in multiple-choice questions and technical performance at box trainer and virtual reality simulator tasks. A sample size of 10 residents per group was planned (n = 20). Results are reported as medians (interquartile ranges), and data were compared between groups with the Mann-Whitney U, chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests (P ≤ .05). RESULTS: In July 2013, 27 residents were assigned randomly (14 curriculum, 13 conventional). Both groups were similar at baseline. Twenty-one residents (10 curriculum, 11 conventional) completed the surgical procedure-based assessment in the operating room (September to December 2013). Our primary outcome indicated that curriculum-trained residents displayed superior performance at laparoscopic salpingectomy (P = .043). Secondary outcomes demonstrated that curriculum-trained residents had higher performance scores on the cognitive multiple-choice questions (P < .001), the nontechnical skills multiple-choice questions (P = .016), box trainer task time (P < .001), and all virtual reality simulator parameters. CONCLUSION: Participation in a comprehensive simulation-based training curriculum for gynecologic laparoscopy leads to a superior improvement in knowledge and technical performance in the operating room compared with conventional residency training.

Capnocytophaga canimorsus Sepsis Following a Minor Dog Bite to the Finger: Case Report.

Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a gram-negative bacillus present in the oral cavities of 22% to 74% of healthy dogs. Capnocytophaga canimorsus has unique virulence factors that enable it to evade the human immune system and cause life-threatening sepsis following a dog bite. We report a previously well 68-year-old woman who presented with septic shock and multiorgan failure following a seemingly minor dog bite to the finger. The patient required intensive care treatment, intravenous antibiotic therapy, and multiple surgical procedures including amputation of the affected finger. The septicemia and coagulopathy that ensued resulted in gangrene and amputation of additional fingers and toes. The purpose of this report is to raise awareness of this organism among hand surgeons when faced with a patient presenting in septic shock and minimal signs at the site of a dog bite.

Comprehensive Surgical Coaching Enhances Surgical Skill in the Operating Room: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine whether individualized coaching improved surgical technical skill in the operating room to a higher degree than current residency training. BACKGROUND: Clinical training in the operating room is a valuable opportunity for surgeons to acquire skill and knowledge; however, it often remains underutilized. Coaching has been successfully used in various industries to enhance performance, but its role in surgery has been insufficiently investigated. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at one surgical training program. Trainees undergoing a minimally invasive surgery rotation were randomized to either conventional training (CT) or comprehensive surgical coaching (CSC). CT included ward and operating room duties, and regular departmental teaching sessions. CSC comprised performance analysis, debriefing, feedback, and behavior modeling. Primary outcome measures were technical performance as measured on global and procedure-specific rating scales, and surgical safety parameters, measured by error count. Operative performance was assessed by blinded video analysis of the first and last cases recorded by the participants during their rotation. RESULTS: Twenty residents were randomized and 18 completed the study. At posttraining the CSC group (n = 9) scored significantly higher on a procedure-specific skill scale compared with the CT group (n = 9) [median, 3.90 (interquartile range, 3.68-4.30) vs 3.60 (2.98-3.70), P = 0.017], and made fewer technical errors [10 (7-13) vs 18 (13-21), P = 0.003]. Significant within-group improvements for all skill metrics were only noted in the CSC group. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive surgical coaching enhances surgical training and results in skill acquisition superior to conventional training.

In vivo blood flow after rotator cuff reconstruction in a sheep model: comparison of single versus double row.

PURPOSE: Arthroscopic double-row (DR) suture anchor repair of rotator cuff tears has been shown to be superior to most single-row (SR) techniques with regard to footprint reconstruction, load to failure and tendon-to-bone contact pressures. The hypothesis of this study was that the greater contact pressures of DR techniques would compromise blood flow to a higher degree than SR repair. The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the effect of a DR and a SR technique on tendon blood flow in a sheep model. METHODS: Eighteen sheep underwent detachment and immediate repair of the infraspinatus tendon using either a Mason-Allen or a suture-bridge technique. Tendon blood flow was measured using laser Doppler flowmetry before detachment, immediately after repair and 12 weeks thereafter. Six regions of interest were measured, three over the lateral and three over the medial aspect of the footprint. RESULTS: Immediately after repair, tendon blood flow decreased significantly in both repair groups (P = 0.004). In the SR group, blood flow decreased by 100.1 arbitrary units (AU) (83.6 %) after repair, in the DR by 81.4 AU (90.5 %). Subgroup analysis showed blood flow over the lateral aspect of the footprint decreased by 126.3 AU (92.2 %) in the SR and 84.4 AU (90.9 %) in the DR group, whereas over the medial aspect, it decreased by 73.9 AU (72.0 %) in the SR and 78.5 AU (90.1 %) in the DR group. None of the differences between the groups were significant. At 12 weeks, measured blood flow in the DR group had increased to 90.1 AU (100.2 %) compared to the native tendons and was at 72.5 AU (60.5 %) for the SR group. Again, the difference between SR and DR group was not statistically significant (n.s.). Assessment for retears showed that 4 of 8 tendons (50 %) in the DR group and 3 of 9 tendons (33.3 %) in the SR group had to be classified as re-ruptures. CONCLUSION: Suture anchor repair leads to an intraoperative decrease in tendon blood flow regardless of the repair technique. A significant difference between SR and DR repair was not found. These findings indicate that tendon blood flow should not be a factor to determine the use of either repair technique over the other.

International consensus on safe techniques and error definitions in laparoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Definitions of errors and poor technique in laparoscopic surgery are lacking in modern clinical practice. As a result, educators often base their teaching on personal experience and individual preferences. The objective of this study was to achieve expert consensus regarding these definitions in order to provide a framework for a standardized approach to teaching safe technique and avoiding common errors in laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: A Delphi survey was conducted with an international panel of experts in laparoscopic surgery. Survey items for definitions and examples of errors and resulting injuries (events) were derived from literature reviews and procedural observations. An online platform was used to administer the survey. Experts were requested to rate their level of agreement regarding survey items on a 5-point Likert-type scale; additional comments were facilitated through free-text entries. Consensus was defined as Cronbach's α > 0.70. Items that were rated ≥ 3 ("somewhat agree") by 75 % or more of the panel were included in the consensus list. The Delphi process was continued until all subsections of the survey met the defined consensus level. RESULTS: Two survey rounds were completed with 33 experts from 12 countries (round 1) and 25 experts from nine countries (round 2). Overall consensus was high for both rounds (α = 0.9). Seventeen definitions and 39 examples of errors and events were included in the final consensus list. CONCLUSIONS: Standardized definitions and examples of technical errors in laparoscopic surgery were established using a consensus-based approach. These definitions can serve as uniform nomenclature and can be used by educators as a reference guide to ensure standardization in surgical training and performance assessment.

Defining technical errors in laparoscopic surgery: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Technical errors, a distinct subcomponent of surgical proficiency, have a significant impact on patient safety and clinical outcomes. To date, only a few studies have been designed to describe and evaluate these errors. This review was performed to assess technical errors described in laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: A literature search of Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, and OVID databases (1946-2012, week 14) using the terms "technical/medical error," "technical skill," and "adverse event" in combination with the terms "laparoscopy/laparoscopic surgery" was conducted. English language peer review articles with a description of technical errors were included. Opinion papers, reviews, and articles not addressing laparoscopic surgery were excluded. RESULTS: The search returned 2,282 articles. Application of the inclusion criteria reduced the number of articles to 21. Of these 21 articles, 14 (67 %) were observational studies, 3 (14 %) were randomized trials, 2 (10 %) were prospective interventional studies, and 2 (10 %) were retrospective analyses. Eight articles (38 %) applied error analysis as an approach to determine error rates within routine procedures. The remaining 13 articles (62 %) used the assessment of errors to describe and quantify surgical skill in an educational setting. CONCLUSIONS: A number of approaches for the assessment of surgical technical errors exist. The error definitions vary greatly, making a comparison of error rates between groups impossible. Complexity of scale design and subjectivity in ratings have resulted in limited use of these scores outside the experimental setting. To facilitate error analysis as a self-assessment method of continuous learning and quality control, further research and better tools are required.

Effect of posterior offset humeral components on range of motion in reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of eccentric humeral components with different degrees of posterior offset on range of glenohumeral motion in reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Uncemented PROMOS® reverse shoulder prostheses were implanted in eight human cadaveric shoulder specimens. Passive range of motion was evaluated with a robot-assisted shoulder simulator. Three movements were tested: abduction, anterior elevation and external rotation. Each specimen was tested with a customary reverse humeral component and two eccentric components with 3 and 6 mm of posterior offset respectively. Mean abduction was 81° (standard deviation [SD] 12) for the customary reverse components, 81° (SD 13) for the 3 mm eccentric and 82° (SD 15) for 6-mm eccentric implants. Mean anterior elevation was 68° (SD 13) in the regular group and 66° (SD 14) and 63° (SD 14) for 3- and 6-mm eccentric groups. With all configurations, 90° of external rotation were achieved without requiring more than 2 N·m of applied rotational moment. Although there was no statistically significant difference between the conventional and the eccentric implants, anterior elevation was decreased by almost 20° in three of eight shoulders with the posterior offset configurations. This was due to a conflict between the proximal humerus and the anterior aspect of the acromion or the coracoid. Although eccentric humeral components can be useful in reverse shoulder arthroplasty to avoid anterior cortical defects in individuals with pronounced humeral head posterior offset, a potential conflict between proximal humerus and scapula may have an unfavourable effect on range of anterior elevation. However, this observation is only true for the uncemented PROMOS® reverse prosthesis. Other reverse shoulder designs with posterior offset components are yet to be tested.

Implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive proficiency-based curriculum in an advanced, minimally invasive procedure: a multi-institutional Canadian experience.

INTRODUCTION: A comprehensive proficiency-based curriculum for an advanced, minimally invasive procedure was previously developed and shown to be more educationally effective than conventional surgery training. OBJECTIVE: To implement and evaluate this proficiency-based curriculum in 2 academic general surgery residency programs in Canada. SETTING: Two academic, general surgery residency programs at university hospitals in Ontario, Canada. METHODS: An 8-week, proficiency-based curriculum consisted of a didactic component (lectures, small group sessions, assigned readings) and a simulation-based component (proficiency-based training in laparoscopic enteroenterostomy and a simulated operating room crisis scenario). It was offered to postgraduate years 2-5 general surgery residents in 2 academic programs in Canada. Pre- and postcurriculum procedure-specific knowledge and psychomotor skills were assessed using a 25-item knowledge test and a procedure-specific assessment scale. Postcurriculum nontechnical skills were assessed using the Nontechnical Skills for Surgeons scale. Participants' perceptions about the curriculum were assessed using a questionnaire. Direct costs for curriculum implementation were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-five residents participated in the curriculum across 2 programs. Completion of the curriculum resulted in significant improvement in technical skills (45 [37.5-65] versus 88 [85-93]; P < .01) and demonstration of "acceptable" situational awareness (3 [3-4]), decision-making (3 [3-4]), teamwork and communication (3 [2-4]), and leadership (3 [3-4]) skills. There was no improvement in procedure-specific knowledge (48 [40-64] versus 58 [48-60]; P = .39). Participants perceived all components of the curriculum as educationally valuable, and 96% agreed and/or strongly agreed that this curriculum should continue to be a part of academic curriculum. The average cost of curriculum implementation was $613.05 Canadian dollars per participant. Lack of faculty supervision was the main barrier to implementation with only 65% of participants agreeing and/or strongly agreeing that quantity of faculty supervision was optimal. CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive proficiency-based curriculum for an advanced, minimally invasive procedure was successfully implemented and evaluated at 2 academic general surgery residency programs in Canada. Adequate faculty preceptor resources are essential for widespread implementation.

Clavicle Malunions: Surgical Treatment and Outcome-a Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Successful treatment of clavicle malunion represents a major challenge for orthopedic surgeons. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The aim of this study was to provide an overview of surgical options for the treatment of clavicle malunions regarding their technical details and clinical results. METHODS: A comprehensive search of the literature was performed to retrieve articles and conference abstracts regarding the surgical treatment of clavicle malunions. A total of 1873 records were identified and 29 studies were included in the present review, with a total of 103 patients. RESULTS: The majority of the patients (77/103) were treated with an osteotomy and subsequent open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). The next most frequent management choice was debridement, excision, or removal of excess callus or bone (n = 19), but other techniques like resection of the clavicle (n = 5) or nerve exploration and decompression (n = 2) were also reported. The preferred method of fixation was plate fixation (n = 53) followed by pin fixation (n = 6). The complication rate was low, reported in less than 6% of patients. CONCLUSION: All of the currently reported surgical techniques to manage symptomatic clavicle malunion have resulted in good clinical outcomes with a low complication rate. Considering biomechanical aspects, correction osteotomy followed by plate fixation seems to be the preferred method. Further studies are needed to compare the various surgical techniques and their specific outcomes in a prospective manner. Nevertheless, this review article can be used as an overview to help choose an optimal operative treatment for patients presenting with a clavicle malunion.

Comprehensive simulation-enhanced training curriculum for an advanced minimally invasive procedure: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: There is no comprehensive simulation-enhanced training curriculum to address cognitive, psychomotor, and nontechnical skills for an advanced minimally invasive procedure. OBJECTIVES: 1) To develop and provide evidence of validity for a comprehensive simulation-enhanced training (SET) curriculum for an advanced minimally invasive procedure; (2) to demonstrate transfer of acquired psychomotor skills from a simulation laboratory to live porcine model; and (3) to compare training outcomes of SET curriculum group and chief resident group. SETTING: University. METHODS: This prospective single-blinded, randomized, controlled trial allocated 20 intermediate-level surgery residents to receive either conventional training (control) or SET curriculum training (intervention). The SET curriculum consisted of cognitive, psychomotor, and nontechnical training modules. Psychomotor skills in a live anesthetized porcine model in the OR was the primary outcome. Knowledge of advanced minimally invasive and bariatric surgery and nontechnical skills in a simulated OR crisis scenario were the secondary outcomes. Residents in the SET curriculum group went on to perform a laparoscopic jejunojejunostomy in the OR. Cognitive, psychomotor, and nontechnical skills of SET curriculum group were also compared to a group of 12 chief surgery residents. RESULTS: SET curriculum group demonstrated superior psychomotor skills in a live porcine model (56 [47-62] versus 44 [38-53], P<.05) and superior nontechnical skills (41 [38-45] versus 31 [24-40], P<.01) compared with conventional training group. SET curriculum group and conventional training group demonstrated equivalent knowledge (14 [12-15] versus 13 [11-15], P = 0.47). SET curriculum group demonstrated equivalent psychomotor skills in the live porcine model and in the OR in a human patient (56 [47-62] versus 63 [61-68]; P = .21). SET curriculum group demonstrated inferior knowledge (13 [11-15] versus 16 [14-16]; P<.05), equivalent psychomotor skill (63 [61-68] versus 68 [62-74]; P = .50), and superior nontechnical skills (41 [38-45] versus 34 [27-35], P<.01) compared with chief resident group. CONCLUSION: Completion of the SET curriculum resulted in superior training outcomes, compared with conventional surgery training. Implementation of the SET curriculum can standardize training for an advanced minimally invasive procedure and can ensure that comprehensive proficiency milestones are met before exposure to patient care.

Early prosthetic complications after unipolar hemiarthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: In Australia, the most frequently used hemiarthroplasty prosthesis for the management of displaced intracapsular femoral neck fractures is the Uncemented Austin Moore (UAM). Despite concerns regarding poor functional outcomes and increased early revision rates associated with the UAM prosthesis, apprehension regarding the systemic side-effects of polymethylmethacrylate cement implantation in the elderly patient continues to influence prosthesis selection. This study examines the incidence of early prosthesis related complications after UAM and Cemented Thompson (CT) hemiarthroplasty procedures for the management of femoral neck fractures. METHODS: A multicentre retrospective review of charts and radiographs was conducted in 1118 unipolar hemiarthroplasty implantations to determine early complications associated with the CT and UAM prostheses over a 6-year period in five Queensland public hospitals. RESULTS: Intraoperative periprosthetic fractures were sustained in 11.8% of UAM and 1.8% of CT implantations (P < 0.0001). Intraoperative periprosthetic fractures were associated with an increased requirement for reoperation within 1 month of the index procedure (P = 0.05). No statistical difference in the incidence of intraoperative periprosthetic fractures could be observed between the hospitals participating, regardless of the proportional use of each prosthesis. Early dislocation rates were similar for the UAM and CT prostheses. The intraoperative mortality rate attributable to the use of polymethylmethacrylate cement during hip hemiarthroplasty was 1/738 (0.14%). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study support the use of the CT prosthesis for the management of femoral neck fractures to reduce the high incidence of intraoperative periprosthetic fractures and associated requirements for early reoperation experienced with the UAM.

Objective structured assessment of nontechnical skills: Reliability of a global rating scale for the in-training assessment in the operating room.

BACKGROUND: Nontechnical skills are critical for patient safety in the operating room (OR). As a result, regulatory bodies for accreditation and certification have mandated the integration of these competencies into postgraduate education. A generally accepted approach to the in-training assessment of nontechnical skills, however, is lacking. The goal of the present study was to develop an evidence-based and reliable tool for the in-training assessment of residents' nontechnical performance in the OR. METHODS: The Objective Structured Assessment of Nontechnical Skills tool was designed as a 5-point global rating scale with descriptive anchors for each item, based on existing evidence-based frameworks of nontechnical skills, as well as resident training requirements. The tool was piloted on scripted videos and refined in an iterative process. The final version was used to rate residents' performance in recorded OR crisis simulations and during live observations in the OR. RESULTS: A total of 37 simulations and 10 live procedures were rated. Interrater agreement was good for total mean scores, both in simulation and in the real OR, with intraclass correlation coefficients >0.90 in all settings for average and single measures. Internal consistency of the scale was high (Cronbach's alpha = 0.80). CONCLUSION: The Objective Structured Assessment of Nontechnical Skills global rating scale was developed as an evidence-based tool for the in-training assessment of residents' nontechnical performance in the OR. Unique descriptive anchors allow for a criterion-referenced assessment of performance. Good reliability was demonstrated in different settings, supporting applications in research and education.

Introduction of a comprehensive training curriculum in laparoscopic surgery for medical students: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: First- and second-year medical students have limited exposure to basic surgical skills. An introductory, comprehensive, simulation-based curriculum in basic laparoscopic skills may improve medical students' knowledge and technical and nontechnical skills and may raise their interest in a career in surgery. The purpose of this study was to (1) design a comprehensive, simulation-based training curriculum (STC) aimed to introduce junior medical students to basic laparoscopic skills and (2) compare structured and supervised learning and practice to a self-directed approach. METHODS: Twenty-four, pre-clerkship medical students were allocated randomly to either a supervised (STC) or a self-directed learning and practice (SDL) group. Participants in the STC group received structured training in cognitive, and basic technical and nontechnical domains of laparoscopic surgery, whereas the SDL group was invited to engage in SDL in the same domains. RESULTS: At post-training assessment, basic knowledge about laparoscopic surgery, and attitudes toward nontechnical skills were equivalent between STC and SDL groups. The STC group outperformed (mean ± standard deviation) the SDL group on a peg transfer task (58 ± 13 vs 81 ± 19 seconds; P = .005). Participants in the STC group showed significant within-group improvements in knowledge, technical skill, and in 4 of 5 domains of nontechnical skills, whereas participants in the SDL group showed significant within-group improvement in technical skill and in 1 of 5 domains of nontechnical skills. CONCLUSION: Participation in the STC resulted in significant gains in knowledge, technical skill, and attitudes toward nontechnical skills. Exposure of junior medical students to this curriculum before their clinical rotations is expected to enhance learning, maintain motivation, and increase interest in surgery as a future career.

Teaching nontechnical skills in surgical residency: a systematic review of current approaches and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: A growing body of evidence suggests that nontechnical skills (NTS) of surgeons play an important role in patient safety in the operating room and can be improved through specific training interventions. The need to address communication and interpersonal skills in postgraduate medical education has been emphasized by the respective regulatory bodies for accreditation and certification. The present review had 2 purposes: To provide an overview of current approaches to training and assessment of NTS in surgery and to critically appraise the strength of the evidence supporting their effectiveness. METHODS: A systematic search of the literature (Ovid MEDLINE; PsycINFO; Embase) was conducted using predefined inclusion criteria. The evidence for the main outcome themes was appraised using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Of the 2,831 identified records, 23 were selected for qualitative synthesis. Four randomized, controlled trials and 19 observational pre-post studies were reviewed. Significant effects of training were shown for the identified outcome themes (patient-centered communication, teamwork, decision making, coping with stress, patient safety and error management). The overall strength of evidence supporting training effects on outcome measures was graded as "moderate" (teamwork), "low" (patient-centered communication, decision making, and coping with stress), and "very low" (patient safety and error management), respectively. CONCLUSION: Training interventions can have positive effects on residents' nontechnical knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Although the overall strength of evidence is moderate at best, recent interventions provide valuable information regarding instructional strategies and methods for training and assessment of NTS in modern surgical curricula.

Development, feasibility, validity, and reliability of a scale for objective assessment of operative performance in laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery.

BACKGROUND: There is no objective scale for assessment of operative skill in laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGBP). The objective of this study was to develop and demonstrate feasibility of use, validity, and reliability of a Bariatric Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (BOSATS) scale. STUDY DESIGN: The BOSATS scale was developed using a hierarchical task analysis (HTA), a Delphi questionnaire, and a panel of international experts in bariatric surgery. The feasibility of use, reliability, and validity of the developed scale were demonstrated by reviewing 52 prospectively collected video recordings of LGBP performed by novice and experienced surgeons. RESULTS: A total of 214 discrete steps were identified in HTA. A total of 12 and 17 panel members completed the first and second round of the Delphi questionnaire, respectively. Consensus among the panel was achieved after the second round (Cronbach's alpha = 0.85). The BOSATS scale demonstrated high inter-rater (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.954; p < 0.001) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.99; p < 0.001). Significant differences between BOSATS scores of experienced and novice surgeon groups were noted for the creation of jejunojejunostomy (JJ), gastric pouch, linear stapled gastrojejunostomy (GJ), circular stapled GJ, and hand-sewn GJ. Moderate to high correlations between BOSATS scale and Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills Global Rating Scale (OSATS GRS) were seen for JJ (rho = 0.59; p = 0.001), gastric pouch (rho = 0.48; p = 0.0004), linear stapled GJ (rho = 0.70; p = 0.0001), and hand-sewn GJ (rho = 0.96; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The BOSATS scale is a feasible to use, reliable, and valid instrument for objective assessment of operative performance in LGBP. Implementation of this scale is expected to facilitate deliberate practice and provide a means for future certification in bariatric surgery.

Current concepts of team training in surgical residency: a survey of North American program directors.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present survey was to (1) establish the prevalence of Crew Resource Management (CRM)- and team-training interventions among general surgery residency programs of the United States and Canada; (2) to characterize current approaches to training and assessment of nontechnical skills; and (3) to inquire about program directors' (PDs') recommendations for future curricula in graduate medical education. DESIGN: An online questionnaire was developed by the authors and distributed via email to the directors of all accredited general surgery residency programs across the United States and Canada. After 3 email reminders, paper versions were sent to all nonresponders. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: PDs of accredited general surgery residency programs in the United States and Canada. RESULTS: One hundred twenty (47%) PDs from the United States and 9 (53%) from Canada responded to the survey. Of all respondents, 32% (n = 40) indicated conducting designated team-training interventions for residents. Three main instructional strategies were identified: combined approaches using simulation and didactic methods (42%, n = 16); predominantly simulation-based approaches (37%, n = 14); and didactic approaches (21%, n = 8). Correspondingly, 83% (n = 93) of respondents recommended a combination of didactic methods and opportunities for practice for future curricula. A high agreement between responding PDs was shown regarding learning objectives for a proposed team-based training curriculum (α = 0.95). CONCLUSIONS: The self-reported prevalence of designated CRM- and team-training interventions among responding surgical residency programs was low. For the design of future curricula, the vast majority of responding PDs advocated for the combination of interactive didactic methods and opportunities for practice.