Face, content, and construct validity of the EndoViS training system for objective assessment of psychomotor skills of laparoscopic surgeons.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study is to present face, content, and constructs validity of the endoscopic orthogonal video system (EndoViS) training system and determines its efficiency as a training and objective assessment tool of the surgeons' psychomotor skills.


METHODS
Thirty-five surgeons and medical students participated in this study: 11 medical students, 19 residents, and 5 experts. All participants performed four basic skill tasks using conventional laparoscopic instruments and EndoViS training system. Subsequently, participants filled out a questionnaire regarding the design, realism, overall functionality, and its capabilities to train hand-eye coordination and depth perception, rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Motion data of the instruments were obtained by means of two webcams built into a laparoscopic physical trainer. To identify the surgical instruments in the images, colored markers were placed in each instrument. Thirteen motion-related metrics were used to assess laparoscopic performance of the participants. Statistical analysis of performance was made between novice, intermediate, and expert groups. Internal consistency of all metrics was analyzed with Cronbach's α test.


RESULTS
Overall scores about features of the EndoViS system were positives. Participants agreed with the usefulness of tasks and the training capacities of EndoViS system (score >4). Results presented significant differences in the execution of three skill tasks performed by participants. Seven metrics showed construct validity for assessment of performance with high consistency levels.


CONCLUSIONS
EndoViS training system has been successfully validated. Results showed that EndoViS was able to differentiate between participants of varying laparoscopic experience. This simulator is a useful and effective tool to objectively assess laparoscopic psychomotor skills of the surgeons.
['Escamirosa|Fernando Pérez|FP|', 'Flores|Ricardo Manuel Ordorica|RM|', 'García|Ignacio Oropesa|IO|', 'Vidal|Cristian Rubén Zalles|CR|', 'Martínez|Arturo Minor|AM|']
D000328:Adult D002983:Clinical Competence D005260:Female D006801:Humans D010535:Laparoscopy D008297:Male D008800:Mexico D008875:Middle Aged D011597:Psychomotor Performance D000066908:Simulation Training D014741:Video Recording
Validation Objective assessment Endoscopic orthogonal video system (EndoViS) Laparoscopic surgery Motion metrics Surgical training