Observational Skill-based Clinical Assessment tool for Resuscitation (OSCAR): development and validation

Resuscitation. 2011 Jul;82(7):835-44. doi: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2011.03.009. Epub 2011 Mar 23.

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study reported here was to address the need to assess and train teamwork and non-technical skills in the context of Resuscitation. Specifically, we sought to develop a tool that is feasible to use and psychometrically sound to assess team behaviours during cardiac arrest resuscitation attempts.

Methods: To ensure validity, reliability, and feasibility, the Observational Skill based Clinical Assessment tool for Resuscitation (OSCAR) was developed in 3 phases. A review of the literature leading to initial tool development was followed by an assessment of face and content validity, and finally a thorough reliability assessment, using Cronbach's α to assess internal consistency and intraclass correlation to assess inter-rater reliability.

Results: OSCAR was developed methodically, and tested for face and content validity. Cronbach's α results ranged from 0.736 to 0.965 demonstrating high internal consistency, and intraclass correlation results ranged from 0.652 to 0.911, all of which are strongly significant and indicate good inter-rater reliability.

Conclusion: On the basis of our results, we conclude that OSCAR is psychometrically robust, scientifically sound, and clinically relevant. We have developed the Observational Skill-based Clinical Assessment tool for Resuscitation (OSCAR) for the assessment of non-technical skills in Resuscitation teams. We propose the use of this tool in simulation and real Cardiac Arrest Resuscitation attempts to assess, guide and train non-technical skills to team members, to improve patient safety and maximise the chances of successful resuscitation.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Competence*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Heart Arrest / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Patient Care Team / standards*
  • Patient Simulation
  • Psychometrics / methods
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Resuscitation / education
  • Resuscitation / standards*
  • United Kingdom