title: Design and validation of a novel assessment tool for laparoscopic suturing of the vaginal cuff during hysterectomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to design and validate a new assessment tool for laparoscopic vaginal cuff suturing in a box trainer.
  
  
  METHODS
  A primary grading tool was constructed including a novel checklist component and a previously validated global rating scale. A four-step validation process was then undertaken. Face validity was determined by a survey of a panel of experts in the field of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. Content validity was assessed via analysis of consistency and variability of the experts' ratings, and items were removed or rephrased according to the experts' comments.
  
  
  METHODS
  Overall, five novices and five expert laparoscopic surgeons were videotaped performing suture closure of a latex vaginal cuff model in a box trainer. The videotapes were reviewed by two raters. Discriminate validity, along with interrater and intrarater reliabilities, was assessed by analysis of the video ratings.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Simulation, Training, Research, and Technology Utilization System center at Brigham and Women's Hospital, a tertiary medical center in Boston, MA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The final assessment tool is presented.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We have validated an assessment tool for vaginal cuff suturing in a box trainer.
authors.affiliation: Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Noga
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Fuchs Weizman
authors.affiliation: Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Elmira
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Manoucheri
authors.affiliation: Obstetrics and Gynecology Epidemiology Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Allison F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Vitonis
authors.affiliation: Simulation, Training, Research, and Technology Utilization System (STRATUS) Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Gloria J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Hicks
authors.affiliation: Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Jon I
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Einarsson
authors.affiliation: Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. Electronic address: scohen20@partners.org.
authors.forename: Sarah L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Cohen
mesh_terms: D001900:Boston; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000193:education*; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D015588:Observer Variation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000193:education*; D014621:Vagina / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Practice-Based Learning and Improvement; Systems-Based Practice, Professionalism; simulation; vaginal cuff suturing; validation