An Internet-based pediatric clerkship examination

Abstract

A traditional paper final exam was expensive and time consuming to create, administer and grade at two separate training sites. Our goal was to determine whether restructuring the final pediatric clerkship examination using Internet technology could lower costs and be more efficient, reliable and preferred by students. Costs and coordinator time were compared with the prior year of traditional testing. Student satisfaction was determined by an electronic post-test survey. To evaluate for reliability, the scores on our Internet test were compared with United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) shelf scores. An estimated US$1200 per year of department costs was saved, and coordinator time was greatly reduced. The post-test survey indicated the students were very satisfied with this testing. When compared with USMLE scores the Cronbach's alpha was 0.70, and the Pearson Correlation was r = 0.414 (p<0.001). It is concluded that a well-designed Internet-based test has advantages over a traditional paper exam. It reduces incremental department costs, is reliable, preferred by students and can be given simultaneously at multiple locations.