Validation of an instrument for evaluation of subcuticular suturing using a plastic tissue model.
OBJECTIVE
To collect evidence for the validity and reliability of an assessment tool for simulated subcuticular suturing.


METHODS
Three subjects were videotaped while closing a simulated incision in a plastic model. The 3 trials were viewed independently by 7 faculty examiners masked to subject identity. Global rating and task-specific scales were used to assess subject competence. The mean scores were compared among the 3 subjects and 7 evaluators using analysis of variance.


RESULTS
Significant differences were found among the mean global rating scores for the 3 subjects but not among the evaluators. Similarly, significant differences were found between mean task-specific scale scores for the 3 subjects but not among the evaluators. Cronbach's alpha for global rating (0.89) and task-specific (0.93) scores suggested high internal consistency for each scale.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings provide evidence for the discriminant validity, internal consistency, and inter-rater reliability of both the global rating and task-specific scales of our assessment tool.
Shippey
Stuart
S
Department Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, USA. Sshippe1@jhmi.edu
Handa
Victoria L
VL
Chen
Tiffany L
TL
Chou
Betty
B
Bowen
Craig W
CW
D002983:Clinical Competence; D004521:Educational Measurement; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000193:education*; D013664:Teaching Materials