Feasibility of video assessment of operative skills in FCPS vascular surgery.

Abstract

To explore the feasibility of assessment of operative skills of FCPS vascular surgery trainees based on video recordings of the surgical procedures with a view to introduce it in the curriculum. This qualitative study was carried out from 9th April 2021 - 15th July 2021 at Shifa Tameer e Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan. It is a qualitative study based on constructivist grounded theory. Semi structured interviews of 16 participants, including five vascular surgical trainees, six vascular surgical consultants/supervisors/examiners, and five medical educationists were conducted, recorded and transcribed. Open and axial coding method was employed to identify recurring themes. Six themes could be identified. (1) There was consensus among participants on deficiency in current assessment of surgical skills. (2) Most participants believed that this is a useful method, although four out of 16 participants believed that current methods were sufficient. (3) There was a unanimous opinion that its purpose should be initially formative assessment and later for summative assessment. (4) It was suggested that it is practical with logistic support; it can be made part of trainee's record to be reviewed later; maybe by independent observers. (5) Participants believed that the logistic issue in term of equipment and trained manpower will be a challenge in implementing this mode of assessment. Other barriers included medicolegal and ethical issue and acceptability by the stake holders. (6) Participants also suggested remedies for the barriers. Video review of surgical procedures can improve assessment of operative skills of trainees provided it is used as formative tool initially with a need to overcome logistics, medicolegal and cultural barriers.