Clinical Skills Evaluation in Neurology, Child Neurology and Psychiatry: Program Directors' Perspective and Future Opportunities.

Abstract

When the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) eliminated the oral segment of the board-certification examination, it began requiring in-training assessments termed Clinical Skill Evaluations (CSEs). This study describes the experience of residency program directors (PDs) with CSEs and identifies opportunities for improvement. A 23-question survey was administered electronically to neurology, child neurology, and psychiatry PDs assessing their CSE testing procedures in April 2019. Data from the ABPN preCERT® Credentialing System CSE was analyzed to corroborate the survey results. A total of 439 PDs were surveyed. The overall response rate was approximately 40% with a similar response across the 3 specialties. Overall, there was a strong enthusiasm for CSEs as they captured the essence of the physician-patient relationship. Most PDs encouraged trainees to attempt CSEs early in their training though the completion time frame varied by specialty. Approximately 57% of psychiatry residencies offered formal, in-person faculty training while less than one-fourth of neurology and child neurology programs offered such a program. Most PDs are interested in a faculty development course to ensure a standardized CSE testing process at their institution. This survey confirmed earlier findings that CSEs are usually implemented early in the course of residency training and that most PDs think it captures the essence of the physician-patient relationship. While few residencies offer a CSE training course, there is widespread support for a formal approach to faculty development and this offers a specific opportunity for CSE improvement in the future.