[National exam for the validation of the second medicine cycle in France: What does this examination evaluates?]. / Épreuves classantes nationales (ECN) : qu'est-ce qu'elles évaluent ?

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Since 2004, the national exam for the validation of the second medicine cycle in France has been changed in its organization, its form and contents. The objective of this study is to analyze the records and the contents of this exam. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We analyzed according to a predetermined grid, each record in the annals of the national exam for the validation of the second medicine cycle in France since 2004. This represents 72 records with 525 questions in 8 years. The study focused on the knowledge and skills required by the student as well as the correlation between the advice given by the National College that organizes this exam and the authors of the files on the subjects themselves, to namely the form and content. RESULTS: The record files contain on average 214 words (range 59-514) with an average of three to four types of data for analysis, which requires a real work of synthesis. Eighty percent of cases require a diagnostic approach for students, underpinned by a genuine reason and paraclinical strategy. Three quarters of the questions are questions of paraclinical, diagnostic and treatment. More than a record of three requires the interpretation of laboratory results and a record of two requires the interpretation of imaging or other diagnostic tests varied. They meet in large part to the objectives followed by the National College that organizes the national exam for the validation of the second medicine cycle in France. CONCLUSION: The national exam for the validation of the second medicine cycle in France assesses students in their diagnostic approach and their ability to develop a coherent approach to manage the patient.