Impact of introduction of Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise in formative assessment of undergraduate medical students in pediatrics

Authors

  • Pankaj M. Buch Department of Pediatrics, M.P. Shah Government Medical College, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20194700

Keywords:

Competency, Feedback in medical education, Formative assessment, Mini-CEX, Summative assessment, Teaching learning tool

Abstract

Background: Student’s assessment is a systemic process of determining the extent to which the student has achieved the desired competency. Mini–Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX) is an assessment tool applicable in broad range of settings. Very little data is available in Indian settings about Mini-CEX in undergraduate. This study has been undertaken to understand its role in formative assessment.

Methods: In this interventional study 47 students and 7 faculty of pediatrics participated. Students were assessed for two encounters of Mini-CEX. Assessment was as per Mini-CEX rating form followed by feedback.

Results: Mean score range for different competency of data gathering were 1.76 to 2.5 during first mini-CEX and 4.38 to 5.14 during second Mini-CEX. Difference was significant (Cohen’s d >0.8). More than 90% of students felt that Mini-CEX is better way to assess clinical skills and would like to be assessed by Mini-CEX. One to one interaction was most important advantage felt about Mini-CEX. Though nearly all faculties felt that Mini-CEX is a better way for assessment half of them disagree to continue using it in future due to time constraints.

Conclusions: In this study we found Impact of Mini-CEX in formative assessment is significant to improve clinical competency at undergraduate level. Improvement in Mini-CEX scores in consecutive encounter signifies its role even as Teaching Learning tool. Need to consider issues about its feasibility for Undergraduate level in settings with limited staff strength.

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Published

2019-10-21

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Original Research Articles