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Published in: International Journal of Emergency Medicine 1/2010

Open Access 01-03-2010 | Original Research Article

Learner perception of oral and written examinations in an international medical training program

Authors: Sean P. Kelly, Scott G. Weiner, Philip D. Anderson, Julie Irish, Greg Ciottone, Riccardo Pini, Stefano Grifoni, Peter Rosen, Kevin M. Ban

Published in: International Journal of Emergency Medicine | Issue 1/2010

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Abstract

Background

There are an increasing number of training programs in emergency medicine involving different countries or cultures. Many examination types, both oral and written, have been validated as useful assessment tools around the world; but learner perception of their use in the setting of cross-cultural training programs has not been described.

Aims

The goal of this study was to evaluate learner perception of four common examination methods in an international educational curriculum in emergency medicine.

Methods

Twenty-four physicians in a cross-cultural training program were surveyed to determine learner perception of four different examination methods: structured oral case simulations, multiple-choice tests, semi-structured oral examinations, and essay tests. We also describe techniques used and barriers faced.

Results

There was a 100% response rate. Learners reported that all testing methods were useful in measuring knowledge and clinical ability and should be used for accreditation and future training programs. They rated oral examinations as significantly more useful than written in measuring clinical abilities (p < 0.01). Compared to the other three types of examinations, learners ranked oral case simulations as the most useful examination method for assessing learners’ fund of knowledge and clinical ability (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Physician learners in a cross-cultural, international training program perceive all four written and oral examination methods as useful, but rate structured oral case simulations as the most useful method for assessing fund of knowledge and clinical ability.
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Metadata
Title
Learner perception of oral and written examinations in an international medical training program
Authors
Sean P. Kelly
Scott G. Weiner
Philip D. Anderson
Julie Irish
Greg Ciottone
Riccardo Pini
Stefano Grifoni
Peter Rosen
Kevin M. Ban
Publication date
01-03-2010
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
International Journal of Emergency Medicine / Issue 1/2010
Print ISSN: 1865-1372
Electronic ISSN: 1865-1380
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12245-009-0147-2

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