A valid model for testing and training laparoscopic psychomotor skills

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the face and construct validity of the Laparoscopic Skills Testing and Training (LASTT) model, developed by the European Academy of Gynaecological Surgery (EAGS) for assessing laparoscopic psychomotor skills (LPS). This study is designed based on the Canadian Task Force II-1. This study was conducted in workshops organised by the EAGS in 2008 and 2009. One hundred ninety-nine gynaecologists were classified in three groups according to their exposure to laparoscopy (G1: no/little, G2: intermediate, G3: important). Participants performed three repetitions of three exercises (E1: camera navigation, E2: hands–eyes coordination, E3: bimanual coordination) with measurable objectives to accomplish within a limited time frame. The face validity of the model was assessed by an 11-item questionnaire using a 10-cm visual analogue scale. Q1–Q8 evaluated its capacity for testing and training LPS and Q9–Q11 its relevance for actual laparoscopic surgery. The score of each exercise was obtained by dividing the time to correct performed exercise by the number of objectives effectively accomplished. The correlation between E1–E3 scores and the level of exposure to laparoscopy was evaluated, and the scores of the different groups were compared to assess the construct validity. Participants gave a favourable opinion about the model without inter-group differences. In E1–E3, the scores correlated with the level of previous exposure to laparoscopic procedures, more-experienced participants achieving better results than less-experienced participants. The data demonstrate the face and construct validity of the LASTT model, suggesting that it can be a useful tool for training and evaluation of LPS in surgical disciplines that perform laparoscopic procedures.