Measuring medical competence and entrusting professional activities in an assessment simulating the first day of residency

Abstract

Medical students are supposed to achieve a certain level ofentrustment in different professional activities including relevant core and medical competences at the end of their undergraduate studies. To measure relevant facets of competence (FOC) and to evaluate entrusted professional activities(EPA), an assessment, which simulated a first day of residency in a hospital, was carried out twice. In total, 119 students participated once and 11 students participated twice.Linear regression models showed an influence of FOC rating in “Verbal communication with colleagues and supervisors” and “Structure, work planning and priorities” on EPA ratings. Students who participated twice showed significant improvements in these two FOCs and in two EPAs related to these FOCs. The FOC “Responsibility” and the personality characteristics “Extraversion” and “Conscientiousness” positively influenced more difficult entrustment decisions, while “Agreeableness” had a negative influence on their entrustment level. Our assessment format including the FOC and EPA instruments shows good validity and provides important aspects of competence and professionalism, which should be included inteaching and feedback during the final year of undergraduate medical education.