Evaluación de las competencias clínicas en una residencia de pediatría con el Mini-CEX (Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise) / Assessment of clinical competence in a pediatric residency with the Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX)

RESUMEN

Objetivo. Evaluar las competencias clínicas de los residentes de pediatría con la implementación del Mini-CEX, determinando su validez, confabilidad, factibilidad y la satisfacción de docentes y de residentes. Métodos. Participaron 14 docentes y 8 residentes. Se utilizó el Mini-CEX, método basado en la observación directa del desempeño del residente durante su práctica diaria, por parte de un docente. Resultados. Se realizaron 181 observaciones, media de 12,92 observaciones por cada docente. Cada docente evaluó a 5,78 residentes. Hubo una media de 22,6 evaluaciones por residente. Las observaciones se realizaron en consultorios externos 38,7%, internación pediátrica 19,3%, neonatología 17,1%, sala de recepción del recién nacido 14,4% y en internación conjunta 10,5%. Los puntajes promedios fueron profesionalismo 7,15; entrevista 6,64; examen clínico 6,67; criterio clínico 6,70; asesoramiento 6,79 y organización 6,73. Los puntajes de competencia global variaron de acuerdo a los años de experiencia. Primer año 6,57; segundo 6,87 y tercero 7,3; p= 0,004. El puntaje de satisfacción de los docentes fue 7,89 y de los residentes 7,74. El tiempo de duración de las observaciones fue de 28,35 minutos. El coeficiente alfa de Cronbach fue de 0,97 lo que indica elevada confabilidad del método de evaluación. El ANOVA de puntajes de competencia global de todos los docentes mostró diferencias estadísticamente signifcativas, p <0,0001. Conclusiones. La implementación del Mini-CEX fue factible, bien aceptada por residentes y docentes, permitió valorar los diferentes niveles de desempeño de los residentes.

ABSTRACT

Purpose. Assess the clinical competence of pediatric residents with the implementation of Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX), determining its validity, reliability, feasibility and satisfaction of examiners and residents. Methods. 14 examiners and 8 residents of pediatrics took part. The Mini-CEX, a method based on direct observation of residents during their daily training, was used. A nine-point rating scale was used in order to evaluate their skills regarding medical interviewing, physical examination, professionalism, clinical judgment, counselling, organization, overall competence and satisfaction with the method. Results. 181 observations were made, an average of 12.92 observations per examiner (range-2-39). Each examiner assessed 5.78 residents, (range 2-8). There was an average of 22.6 assessments per resident, range (18-30). The observations took place in outpatient clinic 38.7%, pediatric inpatient unit 19.3%, neonatal intensive care unit 17.1%, neonatal reception unit 14.4% and rooming-in 10.5%. The mean scores were professionalism 7.15; interviewing 6.64; physical examination 6.67; clinical judgment 6.70; counselling 6.79 and organization 6.73. The overall competence score varied according to experience levels. Mean scores were frst-year residents 6.57; second-year residents 6.87 and third-year residents 7.3; p= 0.004. The score related to ex-aminers's satisfaction was 7.89 and that of the residents was 7.74. The duration of the observation period was 28.35 minutes. Cronbach alfa coeffcient was 0.97 showing the high reliability of the assessment method. The ANOVA score for overall competence of all examiners showed statistically signifcant differences, p <0.0001 in relation to stricter or more lenient judgment to evaluate skills. Conclusions. The implementation of the Mini-CEX in the Pediatrics Residency was feasible and positively accepted by residents and examiners. It allowed the assessment of different levels of performance among residents according to their experience, in every clinical setting of a pediatrician's practice. The variability criteria among examiners and the lack of constructive criticism are matters to be dealt with in future investigations.