Meaningful in-training and end-of-training assessment: The need for implementing a continuous workplace-based formative assessment system in our training programs

• Main Authors: Alam, L. (Author), Alam, M. (Author), Khan, S. (Author), Khan, Z.M (Author), Shafi, M.N.-U.-H (Author)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Professional Medical Publications 2022
• Subjects: adult; article; awareness; city; Clinical performance; continuous process; data analysis software; e-mail; Examinations; female; Formative assessment; human; human experiment; leadership; learning; male; medical education; Portfolio; postgraduate education; Postgraduate training; professionalism; questionnaire; scoring system; skill; teamwork; training; workplace; Workplace
• Online Access: View Fulltext in Publisher

 Objectives: To analyze the systems and tools involved in assessment of skill procurement and demonstrating workplace skills in postgraduate medical training. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was carried out by enrolling trainee doctors currently working in Medical, Surgical, Dental and Allied specialties of the country by sending a validated and piloted questionnaire through email. Data collection was done from 20th April to 20th May 2021. Data was analysed using SPSS v. 21.0. Results: A total of 351 completed responses were received from 10 major cities of the country. Multiple aspects of entry-into-training, in-training and end-of-training evaluation showed poor correlation with the required training goals. A comparison of assessment for entry-into-supervised training (FCPS-I) versus independent practice (FCPS-II) showed a dismal situation regarding assessing affective skills like leadership, teamwork, coping with pressure and self-awareness. The concept of maintaining portfolios was completely alien to the trainees and the assessment tools used for demonstrating workplace skills were outdated. The lack of a continuous, periodic and balanced assessment (65%); detailed feedback (61.5%); fair exams (59%); variability in scoring system (58%) and professionalism of the examiners (57.5%) were the most frequently selected perceived flaws in the assessment system by the participants. Conclusion: There are multiple lacunae regarding competency-based assessment systems in our training programs and a massive scope for improvement. Assessment systems should be implemented as continuous process of learning, self-reflection, feedback and revalidation throughout the training tenure at regular and multiple points. © 2022, Professional Medical Publications. All rights reserved.