Task 1 – Needle Handling

Summary: This task requires passing a needle through 6 standardized holes oriented at different angles on a circular task platform.

Equipment: 2 needle drivers or 1 needle driver and 1 maryland, one 15 cm 2-0 Silk suture on an SH needle. Task 1 model with six holes.

Rules: The holes should be penetrated from outside to inside in a sequential, counter-clockwise fashion starting from the top right hole.  When the last hole is reached, the string should be removed completely as this will mark the end of the timing period. If the needle is dropped within access of your instrument, pick it up and continue. The time delay will count. If the needle is dropped outside of the instrument’s access, then the task will end. You are not allowed to bend or straighten the needle.

Timing: The timing will start when any instrument is seen on the monitor and will stop when the suture strand is removed from the last hole.

Cutoff time: Maximum time for task completion is 5 minutes (300 seconds). If the task is not completed within the allotted time, you will be asked to stop.

Errors:

• Needle Drop Outside of Instrument Access = 30 points
• Bending/Straightening Needle = 10 points if needle curve is altered by more than 10%

Scoring Formula: Score = 300 – time – 10 (sum of errors)

• Basic Proficiency Level: 195 (105s with no errors)
• Advanced Proficiency Level: 209 (91s with no errors)
• Expert Proficiency Level: 222 (78s with no errors)
• Proficiency Training Protocol: Achieve proficiency score on 2 consecutive repetitions (max 80 repetitions)
• Proficiency Testing (Pre- and Post-test): 1 repetition