Supervisor perspectives on implementing colorectal procedure-based assessments

The implementation of competency-based training in surgical education requires effective tools and assessments tailored to specific disciplines. This study investigates the perspectives of general and colorectal surgeons on the feasibility of implementing colorectal-specific procedure-based assessments (PBAs) within the Australian context.

Using a prospective cross-sectional design, a survey was conducted among active members of General Surgeons Australia and the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand. The survey aimed to explore attitudes towards PBA, determinants of feasibility and to identify factors influencing engagement with PBAs, capturing responses from general and colorectal surgeons.

In this study, a total of 201 general surgeons participated, including 151 (15.9% response rate) general surgeons and 50 (17.1% response rate) colorectal surgeons. A significant proportion of surgeons had engaged with PBAs, with 134 (66.7%) having completed between 1 and 10 PBAs for assessment purposes, while 21 (10.4%) had completed more than ten PBAs. In addition, 116 (58.3%) felt comfortable assessing trainees using entrustment scales. An overwhelming majority (68.5%) believed that more than three procedural encounters are necessary for the satisfactory assessment of trainees. 97 (48.5%) considered the complexity of the case as one of the barriers to the completion of assessments. Survey participants recognised the potential of video recordings to enhance PBA feasibility and highlight the importance of diverse training approaches for assessors. The study also identified factors influencing engagement with PBAs, such as the age and gender of assessors.

This study provides insights into the challenges and attitudes surrounding the implementation of colorectal surgery PBAs. The findings highlight the importance of ongoing evaluation and support mechanisms to ensure the success of frameworks in surgical education.