Evaluation of the usefulness of simulated clinical examination in family-medicine residency program.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study reports on an evaluation of the usefulness of the Simulated Clinical Examination (SCE) method as a means of assessing the clinical-skill competencies of entering Postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) family-medicine residents. METHODS: PGY1 family-medicine residents participated in a SCE encompassing clinical encounters with standardized patients. Residents were asked to complete pre-evaluation and post-evaluation surveys, and faculty and residents participated in separate focus groups. RESULTS: The SCE was perceived as a useful method during the early phases of postgraduate training for assessing clinical-skill competencies, providing constructive feedback to residents, enhancing self-awareness, and enhancing confidence. CONCLUSIONS: This exploratory study suggests that the SCE, as an assessment method, can have beneficial effects on learning and the fostering of clinical-skill competencies during postgraduate training.