Objective structured assessment of technical skill in temporal bone dissection: validation of a novel tool.

OBJECTIVE

This study developed an assessment tool that was based on the objective structured assessment for technical skills principles, to be used for evaluation of surgical skills in cortical mastoidectomy. The objective structured assessment of technical skill is a well-established tool for evaluation of surgical ability. This study also aimed to identify the best material and printing method to make a three-dimensional printed temporal bone model.

METHODS

Twenty-four otolaryngologists in training were asked to perform a cortical mastoidectomy on a three-dimensional printed temporal bone (selective laser sintering resin). They were scored according to the objective structured assessment of technical skill in temporal bone dissection tool developed in this study and an already validated global rating scale.

RESULTS

Two external assessors scored the candidates, and it was concluded that the objective structured assessment of technical skill in temporal bone dissection tool demonstrated some main aspects of validity and reliability that can be used in training and performance evaluation of technical skills in mastoid surgery.

CONCLUSION

Apart from validating the new tool for temporal bone dissection training, the study showed that evolving three-dimensional printing technologies is of high value in simulation training with several advantages over traditional teaching methods.