MINI-CEX A RELIABLE AND DOABLE WORKPLACE-BASED ASSESSMENT TOOL

Abstract

Objective:

To evaluate the quality of the observed mini-CEX scores by estimating reliability coefficients and standard errors.

Study Design: Quasi-experimental, co relational study.

Place and Duration of Study: Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi from Sep 2016 to Oct 2017.

Material and Methods:

This Quasi-experimental, correlational study was conducted with the OBGYN residents through non probability convenience sampling at Pak Emirates Military Hospital with sample size of 40. Twenty residents underwent Mini CEX (in addition to the existing teaching) while 20 had training through existing traditional teaching methods (lectures, SGDs, OPD, ward rounds, journal clubs, CPCs). Before commencing the study both faculty and Resident trainees were introduced to Mini-CEX. The faculty (CPSP accredited supervisors), were given face to face training in conducting and rating Mini-CEX by a workshop. Each of the 20 trainees took four Mini-CEX sessions over a period of one year. The clinical skills were rated on a standard adapted Mini-CEX proforma. The trainees were given immediate feedback. Action plan was made and documented on the proformas.

Results:

The Trainees were assessed for improvement in clinical skills over the period of 12 months; and a trend of increased performance was obsessed amongst the trainees with each subsequent evaluation, supporting the construct validity of the instruments.

Conclusions:

The study showed that the mini-CEX is a potentially powerful tool to provide high-quality, interactive feedback that could contribute to improvement in trainees’ clinical skills.