OSATS

OSATS, an acronym for Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills, is a performance-based assessment tool widely used in medical education. It is designed to evaluate a learner's proficiency in performing specific surgical or procedural tasks in a standardized and objective manner. The core principle of OSATS is to break down a complex procedure into a series of discrete, observable steps.

The assessment typically involves a trained rater observing a trainee perform a simulated or real procedure on a model or a patient. The rater uses a pre-defined checklist that lists the critical steps and the expected level of performance for each. This checklist ensures consistency and objectivity in the evaluation, minimizing subjective bias. OSATS can assess both technical skills, such as knot tying or instrument handling, and non-technical skills, like communication and decision-making.

OSATS provides valuable feedback to learners, highlighting areas of strength and areas requiring improvement. It is a crucial component of competency-based medical education, allowing educators to track a trainee's progression and ensure they have acquired the necessary skills before advancing to more complex patient care responsibilities. The development and implementation of OSATS have contributed significantly to standardizing surgical training and improving patient safety.