TASSL Curricula - FLS Curriculum

 

List of Tasks

  1. Peg transfer
  2. Pattern cut
  3. Endoloop ligation
  4. Extracorporeal suturing and knot tying
  5. Intracorporeal suturing and knot tying

Proficiency and Scoring

The FLS Curriculum is based on the concept of proficiency-based training, which recognizes the fact that learners progress at different rates. As such, individuals train to a mastery goal, rather than for a specified period of time. That is, learning time is allowed to vary among learners, but achievement is not. Learners are allowed to practice each skill as many times as necessary to achieve the designated mastery criterion listed below. The table below indicates the mastery criteria designated for each task.

Task Allowable Errors Proficiency Time (seconds) Number of Repetitions Required
1 Peg Transfer No drops outside field of view 48 2 consecutive +
10 nonconsecutive
2 Pattern Cut All cuts within 2 mm of line 98 2 consecutive
3 Ligating Loop Up to 1 mm accuracy error
No knot insecurity		 53 2 consecutive
4 Extracorporeal Suturing Up to 1 mm accuracy or gap error
No knot insecurity
No model avulsion		 136 2 consecutive
5 Intracorporeal Suturing 112 2 consecutive +
10 nonconsecutive
 * Maximum number of repetitions = 80

 

For example, to achieve proficiency on Task 1, you must transfer all pegs within 48 seconds on 2 consecutive trials and then on 10 additional, non-consecutive trials.

 

Files

Protocol

  1. Trainee completes the pretest questionnaire.
  2. Trainee completes baseline testing. This consists of one trial of each of the 5 tasks. Scores are recorded on the worksheets provided in the file "FLS Pretest Score Sheet.doc".
  3. Trainee trains to proficiency on each of the 5 tasks. Scores are recorded on the worksheets provided in the file "FLS Score Sheets.xls".
  4. Trainee completes posttesting. This consists of one trial of each of the 5 tasks. Scores are recorded on the worksheets provided in the file "FLS Posttest Score Sheets.doc".
  5. Trainee completes the posttest questionnaire.

References
Scott, D.J., Ritter, E.M., Tesfay, S.T., Pimentel, E.A., Nagji, A., & Fried, G.M. (2008). Certification pass rate of 100% for fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery skills after proficiency-based training. Surgical Endoscopy, 22, 1887-1893.

Ritter, E.M. & Scott, D.J. (2007). Design of a proficiency-based skills training curriculum for the fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery. Surgical Innovations, 14, 107-112.