JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

Abstract

Background: The desired outcome of any post graduate training is to produce competent special-ists. Mini-clinical evaluation exercise (mini-CEX) is a tool in which a variety of clinical skills such as data gathering, physical examination, clinical judgment, counseling, organization/efficiency, and overall compe-tence can be assessed in real patient situations. The present study was undertaken to find out the percep-tions of pediatric residents and faculty regarding the use of mini-CEX as a learning and formative assess-ment tool. Methods: Ten paediatric post graduate residents underwent three mini-CEX encounters each in the outpatient department. Three faculty members assessed the performance of students by direct observa-tion, rated their performances and offered a feedback by employing the standard mini-CEX format. Percep-tions regarding the use of mini-CEX as a learning and assessment tool were obtained by using separate ques-tionnaires for the residents and faculty. Results: All the participants (100%) agreed that mini-CEX was a useful learning and assessment tool. Eighty percent of the residents perceived that they missed the interac-tion with the assessor. Majority (80%) of the residents felt that the depth of their knowledge was not as-sessed during the encounter while a third of the faculty was also of the same opinion. There was a mixed reaction regarding time allotment for the exercise. All the participants suggested that mini-CEX should be incorporated in their training as a learning and assessment tool. Conclusions: Mini-CEX was perceived as a useful assessment and learning tool by the postgraduate residents and faculty of the Department of Pediat-rics.

Key words: Mini-CEX, WPBA, Residents, Faculty, Perceptions.