Feasibility of video assessment of operative skills in FCPS vascular surgery

Objective: 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.

Methods: 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusion: 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.