Abstract
Purpose::
to create a tool, with face and content validity, which globally evaluates residents' surgical competence in strabismus surgery.
Methods::
a one-page evaluation form utilizing a Likert scale of questions related to the resident's performance during strabismus surgery was created and distributed to a panel of 8 strabismus surgeons. The panelists provided feedback through a form evaluating each question on a scale of 1 (not important) though 5 (very important). In addition, they responded to three yes/no questions regarding whether GRASS was self-explanatory, fair, and comprehensive.
Results::
7 of 8 experts responded in the allotted time. All of the panelists felt that GRASS was self-explanatory, fair, and comprehensive. The overall average score for the appropriateness of the questions was 4.73 (out of 5). The question that was felt to be least important was "use of non-dominant hand" which received a score of 3.80. All other questions were rated as important with the next lowest score being 4.60. Experts' comments were incorporated to establish validity.
Conclusions::
GRASS has face and content validity. It provides attending strabismus surgeons a convenient and comprehensive tool to evaluate a resident's surgical skills, surgical knowledge, and interactions with the operating room staff and patient's family. GRASS is a useful tool in evaluating strabismus surgery and can be used by residency programs to satisfy the surgical competency requirement mandated by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).
Keywords: strabismus • learning