The validity and reliability of script concordance test in otolaryngology residency training.
BACKGROUND
The script concordance test (SCT) is one the best tools used to evaluate clinical reasoning in ill-defined clinical situations. The aim of this study was to demonstrate SCT application in otolaryngology residency training.


METHODS
A 20 item otolaryngology SCT containing 60 questions was administered to 26 otolaryngology residents. The test was prepared by two otolaryngologists familiar to medical education. These questions have been validated by otolaryngology experts. The panel consisted of 9 academic staff in the field of otolaryngology. Pearson correlation test was used to assess the reliability of the test.


RESULTS
The obtained mean scores were 68.4±5.8 (out of 100) for residents and 78.2±6.4(out of 100) for experts. There was a significant difference between the two scores (p<0.005). Cronbach's alpha value was 0.80.


CONCLUSIONS
The SCT is a reliable tool to evaluate clinical reasoning in otolaryngology residents. It should be included in otolaryngology residency training.
Otolaryngology Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran;
Kamyar
K
Iravani
Quality Improvement in Clinical Education Research Center, Education Development Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran;
Mitra
M
Amini
Department of Pharmacology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Aida
A
Doostkam
Quality Improvement in Clinical Education Research Center, Education Development Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran;
Mahnaz
M
Dehbozorgian
Otolaryngology; Reliability; Training; Validity