Postgraduate trainee performance with structured assessment techniques in competency-based model of training

ABSTRACT

To determine the effect of changes in curriculum and structured assessment on the performance of candidates at the end the first phase of residency program by comparing pass percentages of candidates with older residency program. Interventional study. From 2007 to 2009 at the College of physicians and Surgeons Pakistan. Results of midterm assessment [intermediate module, IMM] for the years 2006-2007 [Historical group] in 9 specialties were compared with those of years 2008-2009 [Interventional group] after implementation of curricular changes. The changes were evaluated with structured assessment technique. Results for the IMM exams for years 2006 to 2009 were included in the study. Percentage changes in results of both groups were subjected to statistical analysis. The average pass percentage for theory examination in the Historical group was 52.6% +/- 13.87, and 59.96 +/- 14.88 in Intervention group. The pass percentage in old-residency program for the clinical examination was 61.6% [ranging from 48.0% to 78.4%] which was less when compared with the new residency system that was 73.9% [ranging from 61.55 to 82.45%]. The curricular changes and structured assessment at set competency standard resulted in better performance and higher pass percentages of candidates of midterm assessment