An Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) in Operative Hysteroscopy

Characteristics of hysteroscopic training models: A review of the literature

Objectives

The purpose of this review is to summarize the characteristics and applications of current hysteroscopic training models.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for eligible studies published before March 2024. Manual screening of references and citation tracking were also performed.

Results

Reported hysteroscopic training models included virtual reality simulators, non-biological material models, plant tissue models, animal tissue models, and human tissue models. No training model was distinctly superior in terms of realism, haptic feedback, availability of standardized scoring of operations, preparation difficulty, reusability of surgical procedure, and prices. Utilizing any type of models for hysteroscopy simulation training could assist trainees in enhancing relevant knowledge, skills, self-confidence, and comfort, but virtual reality models had an advantage in training capacity.

Conclusions

Each hysteroscopic training model has its advantages and disadvantages. An appropriate training curriculum is needed to efficiently leverage the merits of different models. The realism and training effectiveness of various training models need to be compared using rigorously designed studies and standard evaluation tools.

Training and Assessment of Hysteroscopic Skills: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review was to identify studies on hysteroscopic training and assessment.

DESIGN

PubMed, Excerpta Medica, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched in January 2015. Manual screening of references and citation tracking were also performed. Studies on hysteroscopic educational interventions were selected without restrictions on study design, populations, language, or publication year. A qualitative data synthesis including the setting, study participants, training model, training characteristics, hysteroscopic skills, assessment parameters, and study outcomes was performed by 2 authors working independently. Effect sizes were calculated when possible. Overall, 2 raters independently evaluated sources of validity evidence supporting the outcomes of the hysteroscopy assessment tools.

RESULTS

A total of 25 studies on hysteroscopy training were identified, of which 23 were performed in simulated settings. Overall, 10 studies used virtual-reality simulators and reported effect sizes for technical skills ranging from 0.31 to 2.65; 12 used inanimate models and reported effect sizes for technical skills ranging from 0.35 to 3.19. One study involved live animal models; 2 studies were performed in clinical settings. The validity evidence supporting the assessment tools used was low. Consensus between the 2 raters on the reported validity evidence was high (94%).

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review demonstrated large variations in the effect of different tools for hysteroscopy training. The validity evidence supporting the assessment of hysteroscopic skills was limited.