title: An evaluation of operative self-assessment by UK postgraduate trainees.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Surgeons in training undertake procedure-based assessment (PBA) with their trainers. Time pressures limit when this occurs. Self-assessment would provide additional opportunities but requires evaluation of your own skills and knowledge.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the validity of a self-assessment PBA in the operating theatre and evaluate learning needs and change in practice identified.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a prospective study, postgraduate UK trainees performed a self-assessment PBA after formally reflecting on appendicectomy surgery. Later, they performed their usual external assessment PBA on the same case and outcomes were compared. Learning outcomes were analysed independently by two trainers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 25 trainees (14 males), of age 29 years (25-33). They had performed a median of five previous appendicectomies (2-21) after a median three years of speciality training (range 1-4). There were no significant differences in global summary scores, trainee satisfaction or learning outcomes between external and self-assessment PBAs. Construct validity of the self-assessment PBA was demonstrated. The self-assessment PBA was more likely to identify non-technical skills.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results suggest self-assessment PBA is valid for formative assessment. It identified a wide range of learning outcomes. Self-assessment PBA would help trainees maximise every learning opportunity and practice self-assessment skills.
authors.affiliation: Musgrove Park Hospital , UK.
authors.forename: Alan J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Osborne
authors.forename: Simon C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Hawkins
authors.forename: Dimitri J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Pournaras
authors.forename: Madawa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chandratilake
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Welbourn
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001062:Appendectomy / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D003162:Competency-Based Education / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012647:Self-Assessment; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards; D006113:United Kingdom