title: Construct validation of progress testing to measure knowledge and visual skills in radiology.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Dutch Radiology Progress Test (DRPT) monitors the acquisition of knowledge and visual skills of radiology residents in the Netherlands.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We aimed to evaluate the quality of progress testing in postgraduate radiology training by studying the reliability of the DRPT and finding an indication for its construct validity. We expected that knowledge would increase rapidly in the first years of residency, leveling-off in later years, to allow for the development of visual skills. We hypothesized that scores on the DRPT reflect this pattern.
  
  
  METHODS
  Internal consistencies were estimated with Cronbach's alpha. Performance increase over program years were tested using one-way analysis of variance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data were available for 498 residents (2281 test results). Reliabilities were around Cronbach's alpha 0.90. There was a significant difference in the mean test results between the first three years of residency. After the fourth year no significant increase in test scores on knowledge could be measured on eight tests. The same pattern occurred for scores on visual skills. However, visual skills scores tend to increase more sharply than knowledge scores.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We found support for the reliability and construct validity of the DRPT. However, assessment on visual skill development needs further exploration.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands. C.J.Ravesloot@umcutrecht.nl
authors.forename: Cecile
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ravesloot
authors.forename: Marieke
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: van der Schaaf
authors.forename: Cees
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Haaring
authors.forename: Cas
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kruitwagen
authors.forename: Erik
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Beek
authors.forename: Olle
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ten Cate
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: van Schaik
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D009426:Netherlands; D011871:Radiology / Q000193:education*; D013337:Students, Medical