Assessment of Microvascular Surgery in Plastic Surgical Trainees Using the Global Rating Scale, the Singapore Experience

Introduction: In Singapore, All junior plastic surgical trainees are encouraged to undergo a course in basic microsurgery. At the end of the 5 day course they are recorded and assessed using a global rating scale. They are then given valuable feedback on their technique. Particular attention is paid to the presence of tremor, needle handling, tissue handling and speed. After this point, they will begin as 1st assistants in the clinical setting for microvascular procedures.

Methodology and Material: We have used the global rating scale published by Grober et al on 3 1st year residents. The residents were novices and were recorded performing an end to end anastomosis at end of a 5 day microsurgery course.

Results: The average score was 15 over 35. The trainees were novices and were recorded at the end of their 5 day course. All the trainees had a mild tremor, poor needle handling and difficulty with vessel preparation. 2 consultants were used as positive controls and they scored 30 and 33 respectively.

Conclusions: We find the global rating scale a simple and effective tool for assessment in microsurgery and plan to apply this to our training curriculum. Sample videos of the evaluation will be shown at the presentation