Workplace-Based Assessment of Clinical Competencies in Pediatric Residents

Abstract

Introduction: The assessment of clinical competencies in medical residents through workplace-based evaluation methods can significantly contribute to the enhancement of their performance and learning outcomes. In the present study, we evaluated the clinical competencies of pediatric residents using two assessment tools: the Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX) and 360-degree feedback.

Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 18 pediatric residents at Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences. Clinical competencies were assessed using the Mini-CEX across seven functional domains, along with 360-degree evaluations incorporating perspectives from faculty members, patients, nurses, peers, and self-assessments.

Results: The 360-degree evaluation scores (73.93 ± 14.61) indicated that residents' clinical competencies were above average. The Mini-CEX scores demonstrated a progressive improvement across all three residency years, with mean scores advancing from intermediate to excellent levels. Comparative analysis revealed that second-year residents achieved higher scores than third-year residents, while first-year residents obtained the lowest scores.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that third-year residents exhibited relative weaknesses in non-technical skills. Consequently, we recommend greater emphasis on communication skills and professionalism competencies within training