Validation of a Novel Venous Duplex Ultrasound Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills for the Assessment of Venous Reflux

ObjectivesDuplex ultrasound measurement of reflux time is central to the diagnosis of venous incompetence. We have developed an assessment tool for Duplex measurement of venous reflux for both simulator and patient-based training.MethodsA novel assessment tool, Venous Duplex Ultrasound Assessment of Technical Skills (V-DUOSATS), was developed. A modified DUOSATS was used for simulator training. Participants of varying skill level were invited to viewed an instructional video and were allowed ample time to familiarize with the Duplex equipment. Attempts made by the participants were recorded and independently assessed by 3 expert assessors and 5 novice assessors using the modified V-DUOSATS. “Global” assessment was also done by expert assessors on a 4-point Likert scale. Content, construct, and concurrent validities as well as reliability were evaluated.ResultsContent and construct validity as well as reliability were demonstrated.Receiver operator characteristic analysis–established cut points of 19/22 and 21/30 were most appropriate for simulator and patient-based assessment, respectively.DiscussionWe have validated a novel assessment tool for Duplex venous reflux measurement. Further work is required to establish transference validity of simulator training to improve skill in scanning patients.ConclusionsWe have developed and validated V-DUOSATS for simulator training.