Construct validity of cadaveric temporal bones for training and assessment in mastoidectomy. (17th April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Awad, Zaid; Tornari, Chrysostomos; Ahmed, Shahanaz; Tolley, Neil S.
• Is Part Of: Laryngoscope. Volume 125:Number 10(2015:Oct.)
• Page Start: 2376
• Page End: 2381
• Publication Date: 2015-04-17
• Subjects: Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51005
• DOI: 10.1002/lary.25310
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0023-852X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="lary25310-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objective</title> <p>To determine the construct validity of cadaveric temporal bones in mastoidectomy training.</p> </sec> <sec id="lary25310-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Study Design</title> <p>A prospective observational study.</p> </sec> <sec id="lary25310-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Trainees from the North London otolaryngology training program performed step‐wise modified radical mastoidectomy on cadaveric temporal bones under faculty supervision. Performance was assessed using a validated mastoidectomy assessment tool. A longitudinal assessment of nine trainees was also carried out over two sessions separated by 12 months. The main outcomes measures were task‐specific (TS) and global skills (GS).</p> </sec> <sec id="lary25310-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Twenty‐six intermediate and eight novice trainees participated and were assessed by a minimum of two assessors each. Intermediate trainees performed significantly better than novices in TS and GS (<italic>P</italic> < 0.001). Performance correlated well with training level using Spearman rank correlation coefficient (<italic>r<sub>s</sub></italic>) (TS <italic>r<sub>s</sub></italic> 0.265 and GS <italic>r<sub>s</sub></italic> 0.503). The number of otological procedures performed, and in particular mastoidectomies, correlated well with performance (TS <italic>r<sub>s</sub></italic> 0.327 and GS <italic>r<sub>s</sub></italic> 0.528). Longitudinal assessment showed significant improvement with iteration (TS <italic>P</italic> = 0.008 and GS <italic>P</italic> = 0.008). Attending otological courses also improved performance significantly (TS <italic>r<sub>s</sub></italic> 0.345 and GS <italic>r<sub>s</sub></italic> 0.469).</p> </sec> <sec id="lary25310-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>The cadaveric temporal bone demonstrated construct validity and can be used to detect progress in performance of otolaryngology trainees. This is a keystone in moving toward a competency‐based training system.</p> </sec> <sec id="lary25310-sec-0006" sec-type="section"> <title>Level of Evidence</title> <p>N/A. <italic>Laryngoscope</italic>, 125:2376–2381, 2015</p> </sec> </abstract>