Long-term effect of a course on in-training assessment in postgraduate specialist education

Abstract

Background: In-training assessment has become an important part of clinical teachers’ responsibilities. One way to ensure that clinical teachers are qualified for this role is setting up a course. A “Teach the teachers” course focusing on in-training assessment was designed for anaesthesiologists in Denmark.

Aims: To evaluate short and longer term effects of a course on in-training assessment for clinical teachers in Anaesthesiology.

Method: Fifty-one anaesthesiologists attended a 2-day interactive course about in-training assessment. Effects of the course on knowledge were assessed using identical pre- and post- tests. Longer- term effects were measured six months after the course using the same test. Self-reported use of in-training assessment methods was evaluated using supplemental questions in the follow-up test.

Results: There were significant increases in knowledge about in-training assessment immediately following the course (effect size, Cohens d = 1, 5). The knowledge was retained six months later. Knowledge about assessment by clinical structured observation and by written assignments showed further increases in the follow-up period. Participants used the various assessment methods in their daily practice during the six-month study period.

Conclusion: A focused “Teach the teachers” course during the implementation phase of a new assessment programme increased participants’ knowledge about in-training assessment.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

B. Malling

BENTE MALLING, MD, MHPE is Educational Coordinator for Postgraduate Medical Education on Viborg Regional Hospital, Denmark.

K. M. Bested

KIRSTEN M. BESTED MD, MHPE is Associate Professor in postgraduate medical education and consultant in the Anaesthesiological Department, Vejle Hospital, Denmark.

K. Skjelsager

KAREN SKJELSAGER, MD, MHPE is Associate Professor in postgraduate medical education and consultant responsible for education in the Anaesthesiological Department, South Hospital, Naestved, Denmark.

H. T. Østergaard

HELLE T ØSTERGAARD, MD, MHPE is Associate Professor in postgraduate medical education and consultant responsible for education in the Anaesthesiological Department, Herlev University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.

C. Ringsted

CHARLOTTE RINGSTED, MD, MHPE is Professor and Director of Centre for Clinical Education, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark.