Global benchmarking of medical student learning outcomes? Implementation and pilot results of the International Foundations of Medicine Clinical Sciences Exam at The University of Queensland, Australia

David WilkinsonMacquarie University, Australia; DAVID WILKINSON, MBChB, PhD, is Deputy Vice Chancellor at Macquarie University.Correspondence[email protected]

Jennifer SchaferUniversity of Queensland, Australia; JENNY SCHAFER, MBBS, is the Director of the MBBS program at the School of Medicine.

David HewettUniversity of Queensland, Australia; DAVID HEWETT, MBBS, PhD, is the Chair of the Teaching and Learning Committee at the School of Medicine.

Diann EleyUniversity of Queensland, Australia; DIANN ELEY, PhD, is an MBBS Research Coordinator in the School of Medicine.

Dave SwansonNational Board of Medical Examiners, USA; DAVE SWANSON, PhD, is the Deputy Vice President of Professional Services at the NBME.

Abstract

Objective: To report pilot results for international benchmarking of learning outcomes among 426 final year medical students at the University of Queensland (UQ), Australia.

Methods: Students took the International Foundations of Medicine (IFOM) Clinical Sciences Exam (CSE) developed by the National Board of Medical Examiners, USA, as a required formative assessment. IFOM CSE comprises 160 multiple-choice questions in medicine, surgery, obstetrics, paediatrics and mental health, taken over 4.5 hours.

Outcomes: Significant implementation issues; IFOM scores and benchmarking with International Comparison Group (ICG) scores and United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) scores; and correlation with UQ medical degree cumulative grade point average (GPA).

Results: Implementation as an online exam, under university-mandated conditions was successful. Mean IFOM score was 531.3 (maximum 779-minimum 200). The UQ cohort performed better (31% scored below 500) than the ICG (55% below 500). However 49% of the UQ cohort did not meet the USMLE Step 2 CK minimum score. Correlation between IFOM scores and UQ cumulative GPA was reasonable at 0.552 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: International benchmarking is feasible and provides a variety of useful benchmarking opportunities.

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Global benchmarking of medical student learning outcomes? Implementation and pilot results of the International Foundations of Medicine Clinical Sciences Exam at The University of Queensland, Australia

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Global benchmarking of medical student learning outcomes? Implementation and pilot results of the International Foundations of Medicine Clinical Sciences Exam at The University of Queensland, Australia

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