Evaluation of the usefulness of simulated clinical examination in family-medicine residency program.
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.
Curran
Vernon R
VR
Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Collaborative Health Professional Education, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada, A1B 3V6. vcurran@mun.ca
Butler
Roger
R
Duke
Pauline
P
Eaton
William H
WH
Moffatt
Scott M
SM
Sherman
Greg P
GP
Pottle
Madge
M
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