Background: A training system that allows the trainee to perform laparoscopic suturing in a realistic environment and measures the force applied to the tissue would be invaluable. This study aims to establish the construct and content validity of the training system we developed for the objective assessment of surgeons' skills.
Methods: Ten novices, 6 residents, and 6 experts performed the suturing and knot-tying task using the training system. Ten force-related parameters were used to analyse the system's construct validity. Experts were invited to evaluate the content validity with questionnaires.
Results: Eight parameters showed significant differences between the three groups. The construct validity results demonstrated that the system could distinguish the tissue handling ability of operators. The experts agreed that the system had excellent content validity with an average score of 4.71/5.
Conclusions: The training system is likely valid for surgical training. It can realistically simulate surgical scenarios and evaluate the tissue handling ability of trainees.
Keywords: force analysis; laparoscopic surgery; surgical training; tissue handling skill; training system.
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