A tool to assess student performance in a Clostridium difficile infection simulation scenario

Abstract

Objective. To develop and validate an evaluation tool to assess student pharmacists' performance in a simulation scenario involving a patient with Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Methods. The authors used an expert panel review process to establish content validity of the tool. Four faculty members used the tool to evaluate student pharmacist groups during 2011 and tested a modified version of the tool in 2012. The authors analyzed the results for each year to determine internal consistency and inter-rater reliability. Results. The 2011 tool demonstrated sound internal consistency, but several items had poor inter-rater agreement. The revised 2012 tool demonstrated acceptable internal consistency and good to excellent inter-rater agreement for all items except one. Conclusions. The tool facilitated reliable assessment of student pharmacists' clinical decision-making during simulation performance involving a patient with CDI.