Assessing the reliability and validity of a residency selection process examination: a preliminary study between the national board of medical examiners and the University of Panama Faculty of Medicine.
BACKGROUND
The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Panama is currently developing a national examination system that will be used to license graduates to practice medicine in that country, as well as to undertake postgraduate medical training. As part of these efforts, a preliminary project was undertaken between the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) and the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Panama to develop a Residency Selection Process Examination (RSPE).


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of RSPE scores for a sample of candidates who wished to obtain a residency slot in Panama.


METHODS
The RSPE, composed of 200 basic and clinical sciences multiple-choice items, was administered to 261 residency applicants at the University of Panama.


RESULTS
The reliability estimate computed was comparable with that reported with other high-stakes examinations (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89). Also, a Rasch examinee proficiency item difficulty plot showed that the RSPE was well targeted to the proficiency levels of candidates. Finally, a moderate correlation was noted between local grade point averages and RSPE scores for University of Panama students (r = 0.38).


CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest that it is possible to translate and adapt test materials for use in other contexts.
De Champlain
André F
AF
National Board Of Medical Examiners, 3750 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. adechamplain@nbme.org
Scoles
Peter
P
Holtzman
Kathy
K
Angelucci
Kathy
K
Flores
Maria C
MC
Mendoza
Enrique
E
Martin
Marion
M
De Calvo
Oriz Lam
OL
D007396:Internship and Residency; D008004:Licensure; D010176:Panama; D012570:School Admission Criteria; D012577:Schools, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration*