@article{3114389,
    title = "The examination assessment of technical competence in vascular surgery",
    author = "Pandey, V. A. and Wolfe, J. H. N. and Liapis, C. D. and Bergqvist, D.",
    journal = "British Journal of Surgery: BJS",
    year = "2006",
    volume = "93",
    number = "9",
    pages = "1132-1138",
    publisher = "John Wiley & Sons, Ltd",
    issn = "0007-1323, 1365-2168",
    doi = "10.1002/bjs.5302",
    abstract = "Background: The European Board of Surgery Qualification in Vascular
Surgery is a pan-European examination for vascular surgeons who have
attained a national certificate of completion of specialist training. A
2-year study was conducted before the introduction of a technical skills
assessment in the examination.
Methods: The study included 30 surgeons: 22 candidates and eight
examiners. They were tested on dissection (on a synthetic saphenofemoral
junction model), anastomosis (on to anterior tibial artery of a
synthetic leg model) and dexterity (a knot-tying simulator with
electromagnetic motion analysis). Validated rating scales were used by
two independent examiners. Composite knot-tying scores were calculated
for the computerized station. The stations were weighted 35, 45 and 20
per cent, respectively.
Results: Examiners performed better than candidates in the dissection (P
< 0.001), anastomosis (P = 0.002) and dexterity (P = 0.005) stations.
Participants performed consistently in the examination (dissection
versus anastomosis: r = 0.79, P < 0.001; dexterity versus total
operative score: r = -0.73, P < 0.001). Interobserver reliability was
high (alpha = 0.91). No correlation was seen between a candidate’s
technical skill and oral examination performance or logbook-accredited
scores.
Conclusion: Current surgical examinations do not address technical
competence. This model appears to be a valid assessment of technical
skills in an examination setting. The standards are set at a level
appropriate for a specialist vascular surgeon."
}