Aim To show a feasibility in the application of the Objective Clinical Human Reliability Analysis (OCHRA) for microsurgical training by correlating the self-assessment Global Assessment Scale (GAS) scores and assessor scores with OCHRA scores.

Method 18 novice participants, with no prior microsurgery experience. They completed multiple training exercises on ex-vivo models. Microsurgical exercises were categorised as tasks and sub-tasks in the OCHRA, comparative evaluation against their GAS scores and assessor scores were done. Exercises were recorded and then reviewed. 4 exercises were observed by two OCHRA raters.

Results There was a significant, positive association between OCHRA rater 1 and OCHRA rater 2 (r=0.837). There was also a significant, positive association between GAS and Assessor scores (ρ= 0.535). Significant association seen between Rat Aorta End-Side GAS scores and OCHRA scores (ρ= -0.536) and Chicken Artery End-End Assessor scores and OCHRA scores (ρ=-0.521). No significant correlation between all the scores found in any of the remaining exercises.

Conclusions OCHRA is a feasible model for assessment for novice training. Although there was a limitation with the time required to observe errors affecting the ability of the assessment tool in a live course. It could be used by external assessors at a later point in time. With more data collected, it can be used as a foundation for artificial intelligence and computer automated assessments and live feedback.