Table 2 Ranked consensus list of quality criteria (median scores of 23 experts)

Personnel and resources

0

1

2

3

 Availability 24 h a day

2 (0–3)

 Space for at least 4 trainees to train simultaneously

2 (0–3)

 Presence of a lab technician

1 (0–3)

 Presence of a curriculum director (a laparoscopic expert)

3 (1–3)

 Presence of a box (video) trainer

3 (2–3)

 Presence of a virtual reality trainer

2 (0–3)

 Effective instruction material for the use of the trainer(s) (e.g. video)

2 (0–3)

 Presence of an animal lab

2 (0–3)

 Availability of financial resources for the skills lab

3 (2–3)

Trainee motivation

0

1

2

3

 Training sessions are supervised by a laparoscopic expert

3 (2–3)

 Training sessions are supervised by a lab technician

2 (0–3)

 A proficiency (i.e. expert) based training goal has been set

2 (0–3)

 The training goal is based on time and precision

2 (0–3)

 Training is mandatory

3 (1–3)

 Residents are not allowed to perform surgery if predefined skills level is not reached

3 (1–3)

 Awards are given for good attendance

2 (0–3)

 Presence of tasks of increasing level of difficulty

2 (0–3)

 Variability is present in the laparoscopic tasks

2 (1–3)

Curriculum

0

1

2

3

 Presence of a structured skills curriculum

3 (2–3)

 Time is dedicated for skills training in the residency curriculum

3 (1–3)

 Monthly training sessions are organized

2 (0–3)

 Presence of ‘over-training’ (i.e. better than training goal) facilities

1 (0–3)

 Repetitive training over various training sessions

2 (1–3)

 Maintenance of training

3 (1–3)

 Retention of skills is established every 12 months

2 (0–3)

 Training goal increases with progression in residency

2 (1–3)

 Progress in laparoscopic skills is incorporated in yearly evaluation of resident

3 (1–3)