gms | German Medical Science

Direct observation allows clinical teachers to gather accurate information about the actual performance of medical students in real-life settings. Without direct observation, one can only make inferences about how a medical student is performing. Although standardized tests allow assessment of “Know” and even “Know How”, only direct observation can allow instructors to evaluate learners in the areas of “Shows How” and “Does”. The workplace-based assessment within the clinical environment remains as the assessment method with the greatest capacity to capture trainees’ higher levels of performance.

Direct observational assessment depends on availability and motivation of faculty as well as the selection of the proper tools and associated rater training. Faculty may rarely observe or assess learners performing histories and physical exams. And even when they do, they are not immune to social pressures that lead to poor validity. Direct observation allows for the more accurate assessment of the more nebulous clinical competencies. The next challenge is how and where to record these observations.

A sample of common tools that have provided validity evidence include mini-clinical examination (miniCEX), objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS), standardized patient encounters, videotape of clinical encounters, chart stimulated recall, and 360 degree evaluation.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the workshop, each participant should be able to:

1.

Define direct observation (DO)

2.

Identify existing challenges to direct observation

3.

Identify approaches to solving challenges to DO

4.

Name one potential solution to solve a challenge to DO

5.

Critically analyze a proposed solution to specific challenge in DO

6.

Practice using a specific tool to engage in DO

7.

Apply skills learned to improve faculty development at home institution

The workshop will be very interactive and a number of video clips will be utilized with enough opportunity for hands on experience.