Structured assessment of a cadaveric orthopedic surgical training program of small animal surgeons in training: A prospective observational pilot study

Objective: To determine whether structured and supervised cadaveric surgical training improves technical skills in expert and self‐assessments and enhances self‐perception of surgical trainees. Study design: Prospective observational study. Sample population Seven small animal ECVS residents and surgical interns. Methods: A cadaveric orthopedic training program, consisting of six supervised training sessions, weekly self‐directed training, and one one‐to‐one training session with direct feedback, was conducted over 3 months. Each participant performed a set of surgical procedures on feline cadavers before and after the training period. The procedures were videotaped and subsequently evaluated by three board‐certified surgeons (expert assessment [EA]) and the participants themselves (self‐assessment [SA]) using the objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS) global rating scale (GRS). OSATS GRS scores were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, Kruskal‐Wallis test, and Cohen's kappa coefficient (Κ). Results: Comparing pre‐ and post‐training assessments, median EA scores increased from 17/35 to 23/35 ( p = .001). Median SA scores increased from 17/35 to 25/35 ( p = .018). There was slight to substantial inter‐assessor agreement (Κ = 0.04–0.65) and poor agreement between SA and EA (Κ = 0). Conclusion: Trainee surgeons improved their technical skills in expert and self‐assessments. However, the interassessor agreement was strong for only two of the three assessors. Despite limitations, the OSATS GRS enhanced the objectivity of technical surgical skills assessment. Clinical significance: This study represents the first step in devising a meaningful training outside the operating room for veterinary surgical residents. The OSATS GRS as an assessment tool warrants further investigation.