title: Correlation between psychometric test scores and learning tying of surgical reef knots.
abstract: We have investigated the correlation between the scores attained on a computerised psychometric test, measuring psychomotor aptitude and learning tying of a surgical reef knot. Fifteen surgical trainees performed a test of psychomotor aptitude (ADTRACK 2) from the MICROPAT testing system. They then performed a simple test of their ability to tie a surgical reef knot and were assessed by a panel of experts prior to embarking on a standardised course of instruction and practice session. The knot-tying test was repeated at the end of the day and the differences in average scores recorded. There was a significant correlation between the means of the differences in knot tying scores and ADTRACK 2 scores (r = -0.533, P < 0.05). Psychomotor abilities appear to be determinants of trainees' initial proficiency in learning to tie a surgical reef knot.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesia, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK.
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Dashfield
authors.forename: A W
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Lambert
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Wilkins
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D005260:Female; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015588:Observer Variation; D011594:Psychometrics; D013536:Suture Techniques