This is exemplified in the work to develop ACGME-compliant milestones in urologic surgery training. However, it is not only important to determine that the trainee can perform a specific skill or procedure, but can do so with a predetermined level of proficiency. Therefore, there is increased attention to developing intra-operative performance rating systems for urology residents.
The researchers at Southern Illinois University have created just such an operative performance rating system (OPRS) to provide objective assessment of resident performance. Using evidence based literature and faculty focus group discussion, they have developed procedure-specific performance items. Two of these OPRS for cystoscopy & stent placement and prostate biopsy were tested and on the OPRS scores showed significantly improving performance variation for advancing resident level of training. In addition, individual item-overall score correlations were high (Cronbach’s alpha 0.90, 0.88, and 0.77).
This trainee assessment device may help establish a validated checklist that can be used to measure urology resident surgical proficiency in all national programs.
Presented by Aaron Benson, et al. at the American Urological Association (AUA) Annual Meeting - May 14 - 19, 2011 - Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC USA
Reported for UroToday by Elspeth M. McDougall, MD, FRCSC, Professor of Urology/Director, Surgical Education Institute at the University of California, Irvine.
View Full AUA 2011 Meeting Coverage
