12.2 Assessment of Clinical Competencies
Clinical Education uses a variety of assessment instruments to evaluate and track intern competency development over the course of their internship. Most of these are part of the Clinical Evaluation Exercise (CEX) system. During primarily T6 and T7, students are evaluated weekly using one of several Skill-CEX, with each focused on different aspects of the clinical encounter and various clinical skills competencies. During the T8 and T9 terms, student are evaluated weekly on global competency areas using the Mini-CEX and at the mid- and end-points of the term using a summative competency evaluation, the Summary-CEX. T10 students are evaluated at the mid- and end-points of the term using the Summary-CEX. As needed, targeted activities or additional assessments may be requested to help students in competency areas in need of further development. Assessment data is aggregated into an Intern Competency Dashboard, which both interns and their supervisors have access to for tracking and guiding skill/competency development.
12.2.1 Learning Supplements (Competency Remediation)
Interns who are assessed at a rating of 1 or 2 or ‘No’ on any competency assessment receive additional skill development through a formal process, the Learning Supplement. Clinical Education uses the feedback gathered during the identifying assessment to pair the intern with didactic faculty that direct additional skill development activities. Feedback provided on the identified deficiency is critical in guiding the remediation work and as much detail as possible on the areas needing development is requested. Students are re-assessed as part of closing the Learning Supplement to ensure the identified skills have been improved. In some cases, feedback provided by the supervising clinician will yield improved skills captured on a subsequent assessment prior to Clinical Education coordinating the Learning Supplement with the student. In this case, the Learning Supplement is automatically closed as skill improvement has already been demonstrated.Whenever possible, the intern will remain in their assigned clinicthroughout the Learning Supplement process.Non-compliance with Learning Supplement plans could result in discontinuation of the internship and a referral to the Academic Standards committee.
Interns who are assessed at a rating of 3or ‘Yes, with prompting’ on any competency assessment are provided informal feedback and skill development through dialog and work with their supervisor. Feedback and expectations for the competency area needing improvement should be captured in the corresponding areas on the assessment forms.; however, if necessary, the intern will be transferred to another clinic site which will enhance their learning opportunity.