Validation of an Objective Assessment Tool for Tonsillectomy in Otolaryngology Resident Training

Objective Create and validate an objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS) for otolaryngology residents learning how to perform a tonsillectomy. Study Design Multicenter prospective longitudinal validation study. Methods A multi‐institutional study at six tertiary academic otolaryngology residency programs from July 2009 to May 2012. Using the modified Delphi technique, a panel of pediatric otolaryngologists created a tonsillectomy task‐based checklist (TBC) for a tonsil OSATS using a 5‐point Likert‐type scale. Residents were assessed by pediatric otolaryngology staff at the time of surgery with the TBC and a global rating scale. Procedure time, patient age, number of previously performed tonsillectomies, and surgical technique were also collected. Results One hundred sixty‐seven tonsil OSATS were completed for 38 residents, and competency was recorded for 99 (59.2%). Residents scored as competent had performed significantly more previous tonsillectomies than those deemed noncompetent, 44.4 ± 35.6 and 13.5 ± 11.6, respectively (P