CAQ Procedure Skills Assessment Test Outline

CAQ- Procedure Skills Assessment Test (PAT) Outline

AABIP will be using validated checklists to assess skills in performing Linear EBUS-Trans-Bronchial Needle Aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in all applicants.  In addition, validated checklists will assess skills in Radial Endobronchial Ultrasound (Radial EBUS) , Electro Magnetic Navigation (EMN), or Robotic Assisted Bronchoscopy (RAB).


 For Radial EBUS, participants will be asked to:
  • Maneuver the scope through the airways to the target segment without causing airway trauma
  • Operate REBUS probe and EBUS processor
  • Obtain an ultrasound image of the target
  • Identify the probe-target relationship
  • Articulate the steps for performing REBUS-guided biopsy

For EMN (candidate has  choice of platform – super Dimension), participants will be asked to:
  • Select and plan biopsy by using the EMN software
  • Perform an atraumatic bronchoscopy
  • Perform registration
  • Navigate to lesion
  • Articulate the steps for confirming location & work at the target

For Robotic Assisted Bronchoscopy, participants will be asked to:
(For 2024, RAB testing will be offered on Monarch and ION systems only)
  • Select and plan pathways by using the dedicated software
  • Perform registration and navigate to the target lesion
  • Verbalize techniques to improve peripheral visualization during navigation
  • Switch views to assure the desired airway canulation, orientation and alignment with the target
  • Articulate the steps for confirming location & work at the target

For EBUS-TBNA, participants will be asked to:
  • Maneuver the scope through upper airway into trachea, without trauma or difficulty
  • Maneuver bronchoscope without causing trauma to the airway
  • Obtained ultrasound images without artifacts 
  • Identify major mediastinal vascular structures 
  • Identify major lymph node station pertinent to staging
  • Perform EBUS-TBNA 

Updated 11/14/2023