Objective assessment of technical skills of surgical trainees in Hong Kong

Background: The need for assessment of technical skills is well recognized and objective methods of assessment are currently under investigation in the UK. The applicability of these assessment tools to trainees with a different training background in another country was examined. Methods: Six bench-top models for basic surgical trainees (BSTs) and eight for higher surgical trainees (HSTs) (five in common) were assessed for construct validity in 70 subjects. Objective assessment methods included motion analysis using the Imperial College Surgical Assessment Device, Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills and Minimally Invasive Surgical Trainer in Virtual Reality. Results: All models shared between BSTs and HSTs exhibited construct validity (range P = 0.050 to P < 0.001). Of the three modules for HSTs alone, only one gave significant results (small bowel anastomosis; P = 0.005). Reasons for this were sought. Conclusion: The methods of objective technical skills assessment of trainees in the UK are applicable to those in Hong Kong. Their use should be promoted and the tracking of skills development encouraged.