Main findings
There is a need for robust validated tools across different measurement properties in order to aid surgical educators in selecting the appropriate tool for assessment. This systematic review identified eight technical assessment tools validated during gynaecologic surgery. The studies, which have different validity strengths according to Kane’s framework, present a variety of challenges.
Hiemstra et al.’s16 study tested the OSATS intraoperatively to establish learning curves for each trainee either using direct supervision or self-assessment. As expected, learning curves were established but the authors identified enormous variation in assessors’ OSATS scores, and the trainees reported a lack of objectivity in the assessment tool. This important limitation of the OSATS, according to Kane’s validity argument, it does not meet the extrapolation criteria.