LASTT Method

+he Academy is developing and establishing validated training methods and has focussed specifically on the training of the laparoscopic psychomotor skills. The method is called LASTT, or Laparoscopic Skills Training and Testing and can be of use for any university or educational institution as selective criteria prior to the start of an in Operation Room training cycle.
Therefore the LASTT exercises are addressed to anyone assisting a Laparoscopic application, in the first place to future graduated gynaecologist, but even for co-assistants and nurses. Based on Scientific research conducted by +he Academy, 5 specific exercises have been developed and validated. These exercises contain the important psychomotor handling and coordination requirements needed in a Gynaecological clinical application. The measurement and evaluation for the exercises are based on the Time to Correct Performed Exercise (TCPE) philosophy.

• In contrary to surgical performance, TCPE is acceptable as a single objective parameter as it will reflect errors and economy of movement in the result, and as such engages an accuracy assurance.
• It allows for individual evaluation against benchmarked reference data, and thus providing objective positioning of both skills and evaluation of progress, and therefore even suitable for self-assessment.
• The program can therefore be applied without the presence of a highly skilled mentor, increasing the accessibility of the training.

+he Academy is the custodian of the benchmark data, in order to preserve the accuracy, the objectiveness and completeness of the evaluation and also to master the influences, such as natural evolution in human psychomotor skills.

+he Academy organizes regularly LASTT Assessment and Certification workshops in its headquarters. During a one-and-a-half day course the participant will be assessed on his/her initial laparoscopic psychomotor skills, be guided on the learning curve of the specific skills and be scored and positioned versus the benchmark performance data. Finally an official certification is being issued for the mentee.

The LASTT Training package containing all necessary material, including the LASTT model, manuals and video material is made available to any individual or institute who plans to set-up a structured laparoscopic psychomotor skills training program.