FLS Skill Retention (Learning) in First Year Surgery Residents

Abstract

Introduction: The Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) program teaches and assesses cognitive knowledge and core technical skills unique to laparoscopic surgery. FLS is reliable and has several dimensions of validity. The American Board of Surgery requires its candidates to be FLS certified. Data on the durability of skill retention (one definition of real learning) after FLS training is critical for assessing the value of training. We decided to analyze FLS skill performance pre-training (PRE), immediately post training (POST) and at a 7-8 month interval (DELAY) in first year surgical residents (R01s).