A Critical Elements Approach to Developing Checklists for a Clinical Performance Examination

Abstract

A two-stage process was used to develop checklists for cases on a clinical performance examination for a clerkship in family medicine. Items generated for each checklist were reviewed by faculty members to determine which of them might be deemed “critical” to the case; those which were so important that less than mastery would result in failure of the exam. For each case, a score was determined based on completion of the items which judges rated as “critical,” and weights for each of the items on the checklists were generated. This method yielded a scoring protocol for each case. The protocol is outlined and applied to a hypothetical student. The perceived advantages of the approach are discussed and suggestions made for further work. The protocol is being used to develop similar checklists for additional cases as they are written for the clinical performance examination.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Barbara G. Ferrell

Dr. Ferrell is an Associate Professor of Family Medicine and Senior Medical Educator in the Office of Educational Development at The University of Texas Medical Branch. She can be reached via e-mail at bferrell%[email protected]