title: Implementing Assessment Methods in Plastic Surgery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Principles of effective assessment have become increasingly popular topics in graduate medical education. Changes in the structure of plastic surgery training demand a thorough understanding of the state-of-the-art in assessing surgical trainees. Moreover, the authors' understanding of different domains and methods of assessment and the available tools continues to grow.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors reviewed the available literature regarding assessment in graduate medical education, specifically as it pertains to plastic surgery. In addition, the authors present principles of effective assessment and report on the currently available assessment methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Assessment is multifaceted and impacts everyone, not just the individual learner. For assessments to be useful, they need to possess validity and reliability. Moreover, there is a necessary pragmatism limiting different methods and tools for assessing learners. Some types of assessment are universally familiar and include examples such as written examinations and procedural logs. Other emerging areas that are actively being researched involve simulation, nontechnical skills, and procedure-specific technical assessments.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Updating the thoroughness and multidimensionality with which plastic surgery trainees are assessed is an evolving area and one that is ripe for continued research.
authors.affiliation: San Diego, Calif.; Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Seattle, Wash.; and Columbus, Ohio From the Division of Plastic Surgery, University of California, San Diego; the Division of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University; the Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Washington; and the Department of Plastic Surgery, The Ohio State University Medical Center.
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gosman
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mann
authors.forename: Christopher M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Reid
authors.forename: Nicholas B
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Vedder
authors.forename: Jeffrey E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Janis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000193:education*