The predictive value of aptitude assessment in laparoscopic surgery: a meta-analysis

Abstract

In general, aptitude assessments are associated with laparoscopic skill level. Simulator-based assessment of aptitude appears to have the potential to represent a job sample and to enable the assessment of all forms of aptitude for laparoscopic surgery at once. A laparoscopy aptitude test can be a valuable additional tool in the assessment of candidates for medical specialties that require laparoscopic skills.

Fit for purpose? Selection processes should consider aptitude in terms of skills, personal characteristicsandcontext

“…In this issue, Kramp et al . present a rigorous and comprehensive meta‐analysis of the predictive value of aptitude assessment in laparoscopic surgery.…”

“…They assess aptitudes related to psychomotor and visuospatial skills, both of which undoubtedly represent skill sets vital to safe and effective laparoscopic surgery. However, as the authors readily acknowledge, the jury is still out on the degree to which these skills can be learned by people with varying innate aptitudes, and the extent to which motivation and diligent practice can overcome deficiencies in intrinsic aptitude in these areas.…”

“…Equally important for safe professional practice as a laparoscopic surgeon are judgement, risk assessment and an understanding of scope of practice, along with the ability to adapt all of these to the geographical and resource context in which the laparoscopist is operating. This is partially acknowledged by the authors, who assert that ‘medical knowledge, communication skills, decision‐making skills and clinical judgement are core clinical competencies that should always be considered in conjunction with technical abilities when surgical competence is addressed’ …”

“…The appetite for this depends on the outcome of interest: do we need highly trained laparoscopists with the highest technical skills, or highly trained laparoscopists with good technical skills who are able to meet community service needs? Kramp et al . state that the ‘careful selection of trainees includes a holistic perspective of competency and a thorough assessment of all the technical and non‐technical skills required in a surgeon’.…”

Literature reviews in the health professions: It's all about the theory

“…Finally, one example in this special edition uses literature reviews for a very different purpose ‒ that of helping researchers and educators to adjudicate between competing explanatory theories. In the review by Kramp and colleagues on aptitude for laparoscopy, there is theory supported by data that points two ways: aptitude assessments can be used to predict the ability to acquire and perform laparoscopic skills and also they cannot . The findings in the literature to date were inconsistent and the purpose of this review is to use numerical data to support one explanatory theory.…”