Objective  To systematically review the research progress of assessment tools for operative competency of surgical residents under the competency-based medical education framework, and to provide references for optimizing the assessment system of operative competency in standardized residency training in China. Methods A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. Descriptive analysis and thematic synthesis were used to summarize the included studies. Relevant literature published between January 1, 2016, and March 15, 2026, was searched in PubMed, CNKI, and Wanfang databases. Studies on the development, validation, and application of assessment tools for operative competency in surgical residents were included. Tool categories, application scenarios, and measurement evidence were summarized and analyzed. Results A total of 37 studies were included, comprising 33 English-language articles and 4 Chinese-language articles. Existing assessment tools were mainly classified into three categories: simulation-based assessment tools, workplace-based assessment tools, and emerging technology-assisted assessment tools. Simulation-based tools showed a high degree of standardization; workplace-based tools were more closely aligned with authentic clinical settings; and emerging technology-assisted tools demonstrated clear advantages in objectivity, longitudinal recording, and efficiency. Most studies reported evidence for content validity and internal structure validity. Some tools also showed acceptable inter-rater reliability and the ability to discriminate between different levels of trainee performance. However, evidence regarding response process validity, consequential validity, and associations with real clinical outcomes remained relatively limited. Conclusions Under the competency-based medical education framework, assessment tools for operative competency of surgical residents have formed a relatively mature basic system. However, shortcomings remain in localized application, specialty-specific staged assessment, and the accumulation of high-quality validity evidence. In China, a staged and progressive comprehensive assessment system integrating multiple tools should be developed in accordance with the realities of standardized residency training, while specialty-specific assessment pathways should be explored in high-risk and complex subspecialties such as hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery.

Citation： FENG Lei, YOU Zhen. Research progress in assessment tools for operative competency of surgical residents under the competency-based medical education framework: implications for standardized general surgery residency training in China. CHINESE JOURNAL OF BASES AND CLINICS IN GENERAL SURGERY, 2026, 33(8): 1055-1063. doi: 10.7507/1007-9424.202603137 Copy

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