A diagnostic fourth-year performance assessment.

Publication/Presentation Date

11-1-1987

Abstract

The University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, attempted to develop a standardized, performance-based test battery aimed directly at assessing the critical aspects of clinical competence required for graduation from medical school. The battery used a blend of standardized patient-based and written test materials and was designed to yield a profile of scores, providing a "diagnosis" of student strengths and weaknesses on a skill-by-skill basis. Results indicate that a stable, reproducible assessment of clinical skills can be achieved in a one- to two-day test battery, depending on the specific skills measured. The resulting score profile provides faculty with important information about the clinical competence of students that is not readily available from other sources, thus improving the breadth and accuracy of student assessment. A long-term goal is that performance-based testing techniques will be incorporated into the licensure process to evaluate clinical skills and ensure the competence of graduating physicians.

Volume

147

Issue

11

First Page

1981

Last Page

1985

ISSN

0003-9926

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

3675100

Department(s)

Department of Medicine

Document Type

Article

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