Computer Aided Assessment in Microsurgical Training

Abstract

Background: Acquiring competence in microsurgical suturing is a basic requirement for any trainee aspiring to perform clinical microsurgery. New methods and simulation platform continue to evolve, but the assessment of the quality of microsurgical suturing is largely subjective. We present the concept of computer aided assessment of standardised microsurgical task, using a novel training platform. The platform comprises of a simulator (hardware) that provides the trainee standardised microsurgical tasks, which are then evaluated using a customised software. Methods: A cohort of trainees attending a five day microsurgery training course was selected. The trainees performed three standardised exercises on the platform, on the first third and the fifth day of the course. All the exercises were subjected to computer aided assessment. Results: Trainees demonstrated a learning curve over the five day period through the evaluation system, with initial increase in performance followed by a plateau. Eighty four percent of the trainees were able to achieve acceptable scores. Sixteen percent of the trainees were unable to perform a suturing of acceptable quality at the end of the training (fifth day). Conclusions: The mean scores correlated with the level of difficulty of the exercise. We conclude that computer aided assessment can provide an objective view of the quality of suturing as well as skill maintenance in for trainees.