Correlation of the in-training examination in ophthalmology with the written certifying examination of the Philippine Board of Ophthalmology

ABSTRACT

Objective@#This study determined the correlation between the performance in the Philippine Board of Ophthalmology (PBO) written qualifying examinations and the Ophthalmology In-Training Proficiency Examinations (OPEX).@*Methods@#PBO written certifying examinations and the OPEX scores of residency graduates covering the years 2005 to 2010 and 2004 to 2009 respectively were retrieved for this study. ANOVA statistical test compared OPEX scores through residency (Y1, Y2, Y3, and Y4) and determined if the number of times the OPEX was taken reflected significant differences in the PBO scores of the different groups. Pearson’s test determined the correlation between OPEX and PBO written examination scores. @*Results@#Of the 165 subjects included in the study, 5 took the OPEX four times during their residency, 87 thrice, 39 twice, and 34 once. Mean OPEX scores for the different levels of residency training was observed to be statistically different from each other (p < 0.001). Mean PBO scores improved with increase in the number of times that OPEX was taken during residency (p < 0.001). Significant positive correlation was observed between the PBO scores and OPEX scores for all year levels of residency, average OPEX scores and terminal OPEX scores (r = 0.57 to 0.73, p < 0.0001) with the highest correlation noted between terminal OPEX and PBO scores. Based on the number of OPEX taken, significant correlation was strongest for the group with three OPEX taken (r = 0.73, p < 0.001). @*Conclusions@#There is a positive correlation between residents’ performance in the OPEX to their future performance in the written certifying examinations of the PBO.