title: Fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery: a surgical skills assessment tool in gynecology.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe our experience with the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) program as a teaching and assessment tool for basic laparoscopic competency among gynecology residents.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective observational study was conducted at a single academic institution. Before the FLS program was introduced, baseline FLS testing was offered to residents and gynecology division directors. Test scores were analyzed by training level and self-reported surgical experience. After implementing a minimally invasive gynecologic surgical curriculum, third-year residents were retested.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The pass rates for baseline FLS skills testing were 0% for first-year residents, 50% for second-year residents, and 75% for third- and fourth-year residents. The pass rates for baseline cognitive testing were 60% for first- and second-year residents, 67% for third-year residents, and 40% for fourth-year residents. When comparing junior and senior residents, there was a significant difference in pass rates for the skills test (P=.007) but not the cognitive test (P=.068). Self-reported surgical experience strongly correlated with skills scores (r-value=0.97, P=.0048), but not cognitive scores (r-value=0.20, P=.6265). After implementing a curriculum, 100% of the third-year residents passed the skills test, and 92% passed the cognitive examination.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The FLS skills test may be a valuable assessment tool for gynecology residents. The cognitive test may need further adaptation for applicability to gynecologists.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA. hhur@bidmc.harvard.edu
authors: Hye-Chun
authors: HC
authors: Hur
authors: Deborah
authors: D
authors: Arden
authors: Laura E
authors: LE
authors: Dodge
authors: Bin
authors: B
authors: Zheng
authors: Hope A
authors: HA
authors: Ricciotti
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000193:education*; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods