Care studies—A learning method and an assessment tool

Abstract

Purpose: This article presents the findings of research using patient care studies. The studies were used firstly as a method of learning in the affective domain. Secondly they were used as a method of assessment of student learning in that domain. The subjects concerned were pre-registration student radiographers. Methods: The research had two aims. The first aim involved the testing of the validity of the care studies as a learning method. The second aim involved the development of a marking scheme for the care studies, followed by the testing of its reliability, validity and practicality. Results: The care studies were found to be a valid method of learning in the affective domain. Their reliability as an assessment tool could be maximized but never totally ensured and their validity as an assessment tool for the students abilities in ‘people skills’ was low. The studies are a practical method of both learning and assessment. Conclusions: Firstly it is concluded that the care studies provide a valuable learning experience for student radiographers. Secondly the marking of the studies can be developed into a reliable method of assessment, but the scheme tests, in the main, the cognitive, not the affective domain, and its validity in the assessment of the affective domain is therefore low. Further research is needed to develop a valid method of assessment for the students' abilities in ‘people skills’ and the psychological aspects of patient care.