Internal medicine residents' perceptions of the Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise.
BACKGROUND
The mini-clinical evaluation exercise (mini-CEX) is a 30 minute observed clinical encounter which allows assessment of a resident's clinical competence with feedback on their performance.


OBJECTIVE
To assess residents' perceptions of the mini-CEX using qualitative methods.


METHODS
After introducing the mini-CEX into the University of British Columbia's Internal Medicine Residency Program, a one hour semi-structured focus group with voluntary first and second year residents was undertaken. The focus groups were conducted by an independent moderator, audio-taped, and transcribed verbatim. Using a phenomenological approach, the comments made by the focus group participants were read independently by the three authors and organized into major themes.


RESULTS
The major themes included Education, Assessment and Exam Preparation. Residents described a conflict between the mini-CEX's role as a method of assessment and its utility as an educational tool. During initial mini-CEX encounters, they perceived the assessment format as anxiety-provoking. Over time, they felt that the mini-CEX provided insight into their clinical competence. Participants believed that the mini-CEX experience would benefit them in preparation and successful completion of their national specialty exam.


CONCLUSIONS
Residents' perceptions of the mini-CEX reflected a tension between the tool's dual roles of assessment and education.
Malhotra
Samir
S
University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver, Canada.
Hatala
Rose
R
Courneya
Carol-Ann
CA
D001955:British Columbia; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D005246:Feedback; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007388:Internal Medicine / Q000193:education*; D007396:Internship and Residency; D019370:Observation; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*