The Concept of Surgical Assessment: Part 2 – Available Tools

In the past surgical training has been based on many years and long hours of work experience together with examinations, which have been mainly knowledge-based. The reduction in the clinical experience of trainees caused by shifts and the European Working Time Regulations means that new ways are needed to facilitate training and to ensure that competence is achieved. In this paper the current methods of assessment of surgical ability in the UK will be outlined. Other tools available that have evidence to support their use will also be described.