Instrument for the evaluation of higher surgical training experience in the operating theatre

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveThe operating theatre, as the primary learning environment for surgeons, needs to be conducive to achieve successful training. A validated 27-item questionnaire aimed at evaluating the training experience of higher surgical trainees in the operating theatre was developed.MethodsThe initial questionnaire was developed using a literature review and a focus group. Items were validated with content validity index (CVI) and Cronbach's alpha.ResultsThe initial version of 33 questions was modified in the focus group into a 29-item 4-point Likert scale questionnaire covering 3 areas. Of these 29 items, 27 reached the threshold CVI of 0.87, and they achieved a Cronbach's alpha of 0.89 from 17 responses.ConclusionThe quantitative validations in the instrument are comparable to other existing medical education evaluation tools. Aspects of non-technical skills and human factors were featured heavily and perceived to be important for learning in the operating theatre.