Assessment in postgraduate training

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the assessment strategies used in postgraduate education. Assessment methodologies commonly used like the mini-clinical evaluation exercise (mini-CEX), direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS), objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), and portfolios are discussed. No single assessment methodology serves as a panacea, and triangulation of multiple assessment methodologies based on the curriculum design are required. The reliability, the validity, and the educational impact of an assessment are of paramount importance. Quality assurance, staff training, and trainee insight into assessment tools used are imperative, and feedback should be a part of the assessment process rather than a separate entity. Assessment that focuses on the higher levels of the Miller-pyramid (shows how and does) i.e., assessment of trainees as they work is known as workplace-based assessmentAs a formative tool, workplace-based assessment has the ability to influence the behavior of trainees by informing and advising them about their learning needs and motivating them to progress, thus steering learning down the right road.