Workplace-based assessment (WPBA) of postgraduate trainees in public sector teaching hospitals of Rawalpindi: A comparative study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52337/pjer.v7i2.1078Keywords:
Workplace-based assessment, Mini-clinical evaluation exercise, Case-based discussion, Direct observation of procedural skillsAbstract
The objectives of the study were to compare the results of the workplace-based assessment (WPBA) done to measure clinical reasoning and performance of postgraduate trainees through employing the tools of Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS), Mini-clinical evaluation exercise (Mini-CEX) and case-based discussion (CbD) and to review the strengths and weaknesses of the trainees. A cross-sectional comparative study was done among 202 university residents to compare the scores attained by them during different workplace-based assessments. The trainees were assessed by DOPS, Mini-CEX and CbD during March-April 2024 by external assessors. Standard rating scales were used for this purpose. Data was collected from the departments about the number of trainees assessed, their scores and feedback from the assessors. Data was analyzed by using Microsoft Excel 2016 software. Descriptive statistics were applied. Of the 202 trainees, 92 were from Holy Family Hospital while 81 and 29 were from Benazir Bhutto Hospital and Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital respectively. Around 109, 60 and 33 were assessed through Mini-CEX, DOPS and CbD respectively. Overall % of the Medicine & Allied and Surgery and Allied trainees assessed through Mini-CEX were 55.4% and 55.8% respectively. Most of the Obstetrics & Gynecology trainees were assessed through DOPS with a 52.2% result while Anesthesia trainees undergoing DOPS achieved a 62.7% score. All MD Pediatrics trainees were subjected to CbD with a 58.6% score. Comparatively higher scores were achieved by trainees assessed by CbD (60.8%) than those assessed by Mini-CEX (59.7%) and DOPS (57.7%). Trainees were good in presentation and communication skills in addition to clinical reasoning. However, improvement in theoretical knowledge and clinical competencies was required. CbD assessments revealed overall higher scores than those of DOPS and Mini-CEX. The clinical reasoning, presentation and communication skills of trainees were up to the mark.
