title: Validation of a task-specific scoring system for a microvascular surgery simulation model.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Simulation models can help develop procedural skills outside the clinical setting while also providing a means for evaluation of trainees. Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) have been developed for several procedures. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the construct validity of an OSATS for microvascular anastomosis performed on a simulation model using chicken thigh vessels.
  
  
  METHODS
  Validation study.
  
  
  METHODS
  An expert panel constructed a task-specific checklist for an OSATS for microvascular anastomosis. Twenty surgical staff and trainees performed a microvascular anastomosis of a chicken ischiatic artery. Training level and microsurgical experience were assessed by questionnaire. The performances were recorded and scored by two experts using the task-specific and global scales of the OSATS.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Analysis of variance revealed a significant effect of training and microvascular experience for both the task-specific score and global rating scale score (P < .005). Interrater reliability was 0.7. Experience level demonstrated a logarithmic relationship with task time.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The microvascular OSATS applied to the chicken thigh simulator model differentiated between levels of microvascular experience. It demonstrated construct validity and reliability for the assessment of procedural competence using a cost-effective and easily accessible model.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA.
authors.forename: Grace L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Nimmons
authors.forename: Kristi E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Gerry F
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Funk
authors.forename: David C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Shonka
authors.forename: Nitin A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Pagedar
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D000818:Animals; D057189:Checklist; D002645:Chickens; D005257:Fellowships and Scholarships; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D055806:Microvessels / Q000601:surgery*; D023421:Models, Animal; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D013848:Thigh / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000601:surgery