Evaluation of the usefulness of simulated clinical examination in family-medicine residency program

Abstract

Background: This study reports on an evaluation of the usefulness of the Simulated Clinical Examination (SCE) method as a means of assessing the clinical-skill competencies of entering Postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) family-medicine residents.

Methods: PGY1 family-medicine residents participated in a SCE encompassing clinical encounters with standardized patients. Residents were asked to complete pre-evaluation and post-evaluation surveys, and faculty and residents participated in separate focus groups.

Results: The SCE was perceived as a useful method during the early phases of postgraduate training for assessing clinical-skill competencies, providing constructive feedback to residents, enhancing self-awareness, and enhancing confidence.

Conclusions: This exploratory study suggests that the SCE, as an assessment method, can have beneficial effects on learning and the fostering of clinical-skill competencies during postgraduate training.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Vernon R. Curran

VERNON R. CURRAN, PhD, is Director of Academic Research and Development and an Associate Professor of Medical Education with the Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University.

Roger Butler

ROGER BUTLER, MD, CCFP, FCFP, is Associate Professor of Family Medicine with the Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University.

Pauline Duke

PAULINE DUKE, MD, CCFP, is Associate Professor of Family Medicine with the Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University.

William H. Eaton

WILLIAM J. EATON, MD, CCFP, is Associate Professor of Family Medicine with the Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University.

Scott M. Moffatt

SCOTT M. MOFFATT, MD, CCFP, is Associate Professor of Family Medicine with the Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University.

Greg P. Sherman

GREG P. SHERMAN, MD, CCFP, is Assistant Professor of Family Medicine with the Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University.

Madge Pottle

MADGE POTTLE, RN, was Coordinator, Standardized Patient Program with the Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University at the time of the study.