Developing a robust suturing assessment: validity evidence for the intracorporeal suturing assessment tool.

Background: Assessment tools specific to intracorporeal suturing are lacking. The purpose of this study was to validate a novel Intracorporeal Suturing Assessment Tool (ISAT) by comparing it with existing measures that have been reported to have validity evidence.

Methods: Videos of laparoscopic suturing were assessed by 3 blinded laparoscopic experts using the validated Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) scale and the ISAT.

Implementation results of a novel comprehensive mental skills curriculum during simulator training.

Background: Mental skills training refers to the implementation of cognitive performance-enhancing strategies to promote optimal performance. We aimed to develop a surgery-specific mental skills curriculum (MSC) and obtain initial evidence of efficacy.

Methods: The developed MSC consisted of 8 proven performance-enhancing modules.