title: Simulation-based assessment to identify critical gaps in safe anesthesia resident performance.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Valid methods are needed to identify anesthesia resident performance gaps early in training. However, many assessment tools in medicine have not been properly validated. The authors designed and tested use of a behaviorally anchored scale, as part of a multiscenario simulation-based assessment system, to identify high- and low-performing residents with regard to domains of greatest concern to expert anesthesiology faculty.
  
  
  METHODS
  An expert faculty panel derived five key behavioral domains of interest by using a Delphi process (1) Synthesizes information to formulate a clear anesthetic plan; (2) Implements a plan based on changing conditions; (3) Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills with patients and staff; (4) Identifies ways to improve performance; and (5) Recognizes own limits. Seven simulation scenarios spanning pre-to-postoperative encounters were used to assess performances of 22 first-year residents and 8 fellows from two institutions. Two of 10 trained faculty raters blinded to trainee program and training level scored each performance independently by using a behaviorally anchored rating scale. Residents, fellows, facilitators, and raters completed surveys.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Evidence supporting the reliability and validity of the assessment scores was procured, including a high generalizability coefficient (ρ = 0.81) and expected performance differences between first-year resident and fellow participants. A majority of trainees, facilitators, and raters judged the assessment to be useful, realistic, and representative of critical skills required for safe practice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study provides initial evidence to support the validity of a simulation-based performance assessment system for identifying critical gaps in safe anesthesia resident performance early in training.
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (R.H.B.); Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (J.R.B.); Center for Medical Simulation, Charlestown, Massachusetts, and Harvard Medical School and Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts (J.B.C.); Faculty Development and Innovation, Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (S.L.M.-W.).
authors.forename: Richard H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Blum
authors.forename: John R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Boulet
authors.forename: Jeffrey B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.forename: Sharon L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Muret-Wagstaff
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000758:Anesthesia / Q000592:standards*; D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000193:education*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000379:methods*; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008348:Manikins; D009872:Operating Room Technicians; D009873:Operating Rooms / Q000458:organization & administration; D061214:Patient Safety; D016544:Patient Simulation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative