Table 4.

Suggested panel of tasks

Level of training	Tasks and methods of assessment
Basic surgical trainees (junior residents)	Knot tying (ICSAD)
	Suturing (simple, mattress, and precision)—ICSAD
	Excision of skin lesions—for example, sebaceous cyst (OSATS)
	Small bowel enterotomy (OSATS)
	Basic laparoscopic skills (virtual reality simulators)
Higher surgical trainees, years 1-3 (middle level residents)	Small bowel anastomosis (ICSAD, OSATS)
	Vein patch insertion (OSATS)
	Saphenous vein dissection and ligation (OSATS)
	Basic laparoscopic skills (virtual reality simulators)
	Basic endoscopy skills (virtual reality simulators)

ICSAD=Imperial College surgical assessment tool.

OSATS=objective structured assessment of technical skills.