Face, construct, and concurrent validity of a simulation model for laparoscopic ovariectomy in standing horses.

The research created and evaluated a simulation model for teaching a specific veterinary surgical procedure, laparoscopic ovariectomy in standing horses. The model was found to accurately mimic the real-life procedure and to differentiate between those experienced in the procedure and those who are not, suggesting that it can be useful as a training tool.

Research Objectives and Procedure

• The primary objective of this research was to develop and validate a simulation model for laparoscopic ovariectomy in standing horses. Laparoscopic ovariectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove the ovaries of horses and it is preferable to do it when the horse is standing to reduce the risk associated with anesthesia.
• The study was done prospectively with two groups: One group consisted of third-year veterinary students and the other group was made up of experienced equine surgeons.
• The researchers used a model that simulated the laparoscopic ovariectomy technique, and they used a questionnaire to solicit feedback from the surgeons about the accuracy and usefulness of the model (face validity).

Evaluation and Results

• Performance was measured based on the time it took to complete the procedure and the accuracy with which various tasks were performed. These scores were compared within the student group and between the student group and the surgeon group; expectedly, surgeons had higher performance scores (construct validity).
• The researchers also assessed the model’s performance scores against those from the McGill Inanimate System for Training and Evaluation of Laparoscopic Skills (MISTELS), a validated training system for laparoscopic skills. It was found that the scores from the model were well correlated with MISTELS scores (concurrent validity).
• In summary, the questionnaire responses showed that the simulation model quite accurately replicated the actual surgical experience. Moreover, there was a noticeable difference between the performance scores of the students and the equine surgeons, indicating that the model was effective at replicating the complexities of the procedure.

Conclusion and Implications

• The researchers concluded that their simulation model held face, construct, and concurrent validity. This means, in terms of face validity, it was seen as a realistic mimic of the actual surgery; in construct validity terms, it distinguishes between novices and experienced surgeons; and in terms of concurrent validity, it measures surgery competence similarly to a standard benchmark (MISTELS).
• The research results suggest that the model would be highly useful in training veterinary students to perform laparoscopic ovariectomy in standing horses, giving them a chance to practice and refine their technique before performing surgery on real patients.