Educational impact of Mini-CEX using clinical encounter card system among obstetrics and gynecology residents in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Objective: To assess the educational impact of implementing mini-CEX clinical encounter card system to the residents in obstetrics and gynecology. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Gynecology Unit 1, Jinnah Hospital, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, from April 2016 to March 2017. Methodology: In this prospective study, a total of 64 encounters were assessed in eight residents by three assessors using mini-CEX Clinical Encounter Card System (CEC). Scores were awarded and entered on the card. Cronbach's alpha was calculated to check reliability of the mini-CEX items. Results: In the first encounter, three (37.5%) residents had unsatisfactory overall skills, while five (62.5%) had satisfactory and none had superior skills. However, at the eighth assessment, none of the resident had unsatisfactory skills, six (75%) had satisfactory skills, while two (25%) had superior skills. Cronbach's alpha was calculated as 0.894, which shows high reliability. Statistically significant differences (p <0.05) were observed in medical interviewing skills (MIS), physical examination skills (PES) and organizational efficiency (OE). Conclusion: Mini-CEX is an acceptable and practical tool for assessment of residents during training. The study showed marked improvement in the overall skills of the residents. It was found to be feasible within the daily working in OPD and Indoor wards. Both faculty and residents have accepted it very well.