Proficient until proven unproficient? Exploring attitudes and perceptions of medical specialists on proficiency, proficiency requirements and proficiency tests for electrosurgery

BACKGROUND: The correct and safe use of electrosurgery requires medical specialists to be proficient. Minimum proficiency requirements and proficiency tests are a manner to structurally assure proficiency. The objective of this study is to explore attitudes and perceptions of medical specialists on proficiency, proficiency requirements and proficiency tests for the safe use of electrosurgery. METHODS: A qualitative study among medical specialists using semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: The participants recognized that the use of electrosurgery poses risks to the safety of patients and perioperative staff. According to some participants, increased awareness on the risks of electrosurgery is required. Most medical specialists however thought that proficiency of users of electrosurgery is sufficiently assured. Medical specialists stated to support proficiency requirements when they are endorsed by their scientific association. Proficiency tests encountered much resistance. Medical specialists argued that electrosurgery should not be tested as a single device but should be embedded in a larger entity, for example in a broader course or proficiency test. CONCLUSIONS: When assuring proficiency of users of electrosurgery, the positive attitude towards proficiency requirements and the more negative attitude towards proficiency tests should be taken into account.