LAUSR

OBJECTIVE This study seeks to investigate the association between validated psychomotor ability tests and future in-theatre and simulated operative performance. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA Assessments of visuospatial ability, perceptual ability and manual dexterity correlate with simulated operative performance. Data showing the predictive value of such assessments in relation to future performance in the workplace is lacking. METHODS Core surgical residents in Ireland recruited from 2016-2019 participated in assessments of baseline perceptual, visuospatial and psychomotor ability; Pictorial Surface Orientation (PicSOr) testing, digital visuospatial ability testing, and manual dexterity testing. Operative performance was prospectively assessed using the in-theatre Supervised Structured Assessment of Operative Performance (SSAOP) tool, and simulation-based Operative Surgical Skill (OSS) assessments performed over a 2-year core training period. SSAOP assessments were scored using a 15-point checklist and a global 5-point Operative Performance score. OSS assessments were scored using procedure-specific checklists. Univariate correlations and multiple linear regression analyses were used to explore the association between fundamental ability measures and operative performance. RESULTS A total of 242 residents completed baseline psychomotor ability assessments. Aggregated fundamental ability scores were associated with performance in submitted workplace-based SSAOP assessments using the total checklist score (P=0.002) and overall performance scores (P=0.002), independent of operative experience and centile scores. Aggregated ability scores were also predictive of simulation-based OSS assessment scores on multivariate analysis (P=0.03). CONCLUSION This study indicates that visuospatial, psychomotor and perceptual ability testing could be used to indicate future operative performance of surgical residents.