Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills [Neurosurgery Wiki]

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====== Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills ======

{{rss>https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rss/search/1vEKSXYTG2BnNix_q-J08yY0olupATSb-g088TyIPh8y66HsOt/?limit=15&utm_campaign=pubmed-2&fc=20250318035509}}

The **[[Objective]] Structured [[Assessment]] of [[Technical Skill]]s ([[OSATS]])** is a [[standard]]ized [[method]] for evaluating surgical and technical skills in medical education. It was originally developed for assessing surgical trainees but is now widely used in various medical disciplines.

### **Key Components of OSATS**
OSATS typically consists of the following components:

1. **Multiple Stations:**  
   - Trainees rotate through different stations, each assessing a specific skill.
   - Stations may involve cadaveric models, synthetic models, or virtual simulations.

2. **Checklist-Based Assessment:**  
   - Examiners use structured checklists to evaluate whether key steps of a procedure are completed.
   - This ensures objectivity and standardization.

3. **Global Rating Scale (GRS):**  
   - A validated scale that assesses:
     - Respect for tissue
     - Time and motion efficiency
     - Instrument handling
     - Flow of procedure
     - Knowledge of the procedure
     - Use of assistants

4. **Real-Time Feedback:**  
   - Trainees receive immediate feedback to help improve their skills.
   - Feedback can be qualitative (verbal comments) or quantitative (scored results).

### **Advantages of OSATS**
- **Objective and reproducible** compared to traditional subjective assessments.
- **Provides structured feedback** for trainees to improve.
- **Can be tailored to different surgical specialties**, including neurocirurgery.

### **OSATS in Neurosurgery**
For neurosurgical training, OSATS can be adapted to assess:
- **Microsurgical techniques** (e.g., vascular anastomosis)
- **Craniotomy procedures**
- **Endoscopic skills**
- **Spinal instrumentation techniques**
- **Suturing and hemostasis techniques**

Would you like help designing an OSATS framework for a specific procedure?



==== Resident Information ====
  * **Resident Name:**  
  * **Evaluator Name:**  
  * **Procedure:**  
  * **Date:**  
  * **Level of Training:** (PGY-1, PGY-2, PGY-3, etc.)

----

==== 1. Global Rating Scale (GRS) ====
Each category is rated from **1 to 5**, where:  
  * **1** = Unsafe/Incompetent  
  * **3** = Competent with Supervision  
  * **5** = Expert/Independent  

^ **Category**                                    ^ **Score (1-5)** ^ **Comments** |
| **Understanding of Anatomy & Procedure**       | {{score}} | |
| **Patient Positioning & Preparation**          | {{score}} | |
| **Instrument Handling & Microsurgical Dexterity** | {{score}} | |
| **Tissue Handling & Hemostasis**               | {{score}} | |
| **Decision-Making & Problem-Solving**          | {{score}} | |
| **Efficiency & Flow of Surgery**               | {{score}} | |
| **Communication & Leadership in OR**           | {{score}} | |
| **Postoperative Planning & Safety Measures**   | {{score}} | |

  * **Total Score:** __{{sum}}__ / 40
  * **Interpretation:**  
    * **36-40** → Expert, can perform surgery independently  
    * **30-35** → Competent, requires minimal supervision  
    * **25-29** → Needs further training, moderate supervision required  
    * **<25** → Requires significant improvement before independent surgery  

----

==== 2. Task-Specific Checklist (Procedure-Specific) ====
Each **Yes (✅)** counts as 1 point.  

| **Step** | **Completed Correctly? (Yes/No)** |
|--------------------------------------------|----------------|
| **Indications & Contraindications Verified** | ✅ / ❌ |
| **Patient Positioned and Prepped with Aseptic Technique** | ✅ / ❌ |
| **Correct Landmark Identified & Marked (e.g., Kocher’s Point for EVD)** | ✅ / ❌ |
| **Local Anesthesia and Incision Performed Properly** | ✅ / ❌ |
| **Burr Hole Drilled at Appropriate Depth** | ✅ / ❌ |
| **Dura Opened Safely Without Over-Drilling** | ✅ / ❌ |
| **Catheter Inserted at Proper Angle & Depth** | ✅ / ❌ |
| **CSF Flow Confirmed & Catheter Secured Correctly** | ✅ / ❌ |
| **System Connected & Calibrated Properly** | ✅ / ❌ |
| **Postoperative Imaging Ordered to Verify Placement** | ✅ / ❌ |

  * **Total Steps Completed Correctly:** __{{sum}}__/10  
  * **Competency Interpretation:**  
    * **9-10** → Excellent, ready for independent performance  
    * **7-8** → Competent, but minor refinements needed  
    * **<7** → Needs additional supervised training  

----

==== 3. Feedback & Next Steps ====
  * **Strengths:**  
    - {{feedback}}  
  * **Areas for Improvement:**  
    - {{feedback}}  
  * **Action Plan for Further Training:**  
    - {{feedback}}  

----

==== 4. Evaluator's Final Recommendation ====
  * ☐ Resident is **competent** to perform this procedure independently  
  * ☐ Resident **requires further supervised training** before performing independently  
  * ☐ Resident **needs remedial training** before attempting again  

----

**Evaluator Signature:** __________________________  

**Resident Signature:** __________________________  

----

===== End of OSATS Evaluation =====