In Search of Characterizing Surgical Skill

Objective: This paper provides a literature review and detailed discussion of surgical skill terminology. Culminating in a novel model that proposes a set of unique definitions, this review is designed to facilitate shared understanding to study and develop metrics quantifying surgical skill.

Design: Objective surgical skill analysis depends on consistent definitions and shared understanding of terms like performance, expertise, experience, aptitude, ability, competency, and proficiency.

Structure: Each term is discussed in turn, drawing from existing literature and colloquial uses.

Implications: A new model of definitions is proposed to cement a common and consistent lexicon for future skills analysis, and to quantitatively describe a surgeon's performance throughout their career.