title: Evaluation of the usefulness of simulated clinical examination in family-medicine residency program.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study reports on an evaluation of the usefulness of the Simulated Clinical Examination (SCE) method as a means of assessing the clinical-skill competencies of entering Postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) family-medicine residents.
  
  
  METHODS
  PGY1 family-medicine residents participated in a SCE encompassing clinical encounters with standardized patients. Residents were asked to complete pre-evaluation and post-evaluation surveys, and faculty and residents participated in separate focus groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The SCE was perceived as a useful method during the early phases of postgraduate training for assessing clinical-skill competencies, providing constructive feedback to residents, enhancing self-awareness, and enhancing confidence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This exploratory study suggests that the SCE, as an assessment method, can have beneficial effects on learning and the fostering of clinical-skill competencies during postgraduate training.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Collaborative Health Professional Education, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada, A1B 3V6. vcurran@mun.ca
authors.forename: Vernon R
authors.initials: VR
authors.lastname: Curran
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Butler
authors.forename: Pauline
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Duke
authors.forename: William H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Eaton
authors.forename: Scott M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Moffatt
authors.forename: Greg P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Sherman
authors.forename: Madge
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pottle
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D016544:Patient Simulation; D010808:Physical Examination