Evaluation of dermatology residents using the multisource [360-degree] assessment method

ABSTRACT

To test the applicability of the 360-degree assessment method of postgraduate medical education [dermatology] in a Turkish setting and discover the possible areas of improvement. Cross-sectional research. Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey. Using the competencies framework of the The American Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education [ACGME], a 71 item containing pool was formed. Based on evaluation aspects of possible evaluator groups, the pool was converted into seven different evaluation forms for the following groups teachers [faculty], nurses, peers, secretaries, auxiliary staff, patients and self. All seven residents and members from each department voluntarily participated in the study. Data was collected over a period of three months. In the data analysis process, mean scores, and internal consistency scores were measured and evaluator groups' scores and resident's ranks in competency areas were compared to find out differences. A total of 259 forms were filled out by seven groups to evaluate seven residents. All the staff in the dermatology clinic participated in the process. The reliability coefficient for the faculty members was 0.99 while it was 0.60 for the auxiliary staff. Low scores were clustered. Our results show that the 360-degree assessment is very well received by the evaluator group and residents and the method is acceptable in the Turkish setting of postgraduate dermatology specialist training. There is a need for larger sample study for other settings