Changing paradigm of practical assessment modalities in medical education in the era of COVID-19: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Medical education is a process of continuous learning and assessments, which are essential benchmarks in the whole education process. In view of COVID 19 pandemic, institute took an astute step of conducting video conferencing mode of practical examination (VCMPE) through online video platforms to reduce risk of transmission. This study was designed to undertake a SWOT analysis of VCMPE from the perspective of students and examiners. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted from May to July 2020, among all final year postgraduate students and their respective examiners. A total of 95 students and 80 examiners were included in the study. Data collection was done through online google forms. Responses to questions were expected in the format of Likert scale and as open-ended responses, which were grouped under common themes and reported as percentages. Results: Response rate of students was 66.3%, while that of examiners was 28.7%. Interaction with examiners, ease of interactions during exam, ability to understand conversation and overall experience regarding the VCMPE was rated to be good to very good by 77.8% to 92% of the students. The major weakness stated by both students and examiners was related to internet connectivity issues. Examiners reported limitations with respect to complete assessment of all domains and some were concerned with fairness of examination in VCMPE. The main strength reported was the potential of VCMPE to prevent transmission of COVID19 disease and its cost effectiveness. Conclusions: VCMPE is an innovative approach towards summative assessment of practical knowledge and skills of postgraduate students in the era of COVID19 with a primary aim to prevent transmission of COVID 19. VCMPE may be a workable alternative during critical situations like pandemic, genuine reason of candidate's absence to appear in practical examination or in unprecedented absence of one of the external examiner