Mini-clinical Evaluation Exercise Research Articles

Application of Mini-CEX combined with DOPS in standardized training of community outpatient residents

ObjectiveTo explore the application effect of mini clinical evaluation exercise (Mini-CEX) combined with direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS) in the standardized training of general practitioners in community clinics.MethodsFrom June 2022 to June 2023,20 general practitioners who received standardized training for residents in the general outpatient department of Changqing Community Health Service Center of Wuhan Fourth Hospital were collected as the research objects. Mini-CEX combined with DOPS was used to evaluate the general practitioners at the time of admission, 2 weeks of training and 4 weeks of training, and the results were fed back.ResultsThe scores of 20 general practitioners at 2 weeks and 4 weeks of training were compared with the scores at the time of admission, and the difference was statistically significant, p < 0.05.ConclusionMini-CEX combined with DOPS can improve the teaching effect of standardized training of residents in community general clinics.

Enhancing clinical skills in pediatric trainees: a comparative study of ChatGPT-assisted and traditional teaching methods

BackgroundAs artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly integrates into medical education, its specific impact on the development of clinical skills among pediatric trainees needs detailed investigation. Pediatric training presents unique challenges which AI tools like ChatGPT may be well-suited to address.ObjectiveThis study evaluates the effectiveness of ChatGPT-assisted instruction versus traditional teaching methods on pediatric trainees’ clinical skills performance.MethodsA cohort of pediatric trainees (n = 77) was randomly assigned to two groups; one underwent ChatGPT-assisted training, while the other received conventional instruction over a period of two weeks. Performance was assessed using theoretical knowledge exams and Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercises (Mini-CEX), with particular attention to professional conduct, clinical judgment, patient communication, and overall clinical skills. Trainees’ acceptance and satisfaction with the AI-assisted method were evaluated through a structured survey.ResultsBoth groups performed similarly in theoretical exams, indicating no significant difference (p > 0.05). However, the ChatGPT-assisted group showed a statistically significant improvement in Mini-CEX scores (p < 0.05), particularly in patient communication and clinical judgment. The AI-teaching approach received positive feedback from the majority of trainees, highlighting the perceived benefits in interactive learning and skill acquisition.ConclusionChatGPT-assisted instruction did not affect theoretical knowledge acquisition but did enhance practical clinical skills among pediatric trainees. The positive reception of the AI-based method suggests that it has the potential to complement and augment traditional training approaches in pediatric education. These promising results warrant further exploration into the broader applications of AI in medical education scenarios.

Teaching Reform of Clinical Medicine Gastroenterology Based on Case-Based Learning and Experiential Teaching Concepts

Objective: To explore the value of the application of case-based learning (CBL) and experiential teaching concepts in the teaching reform of clinical medicine gastroenterology. Methods: 70 clinical medicine students who interned in the Department of Gastroenterology of our hospital from May 2022 to April 2023 were selected and divided into the control group and the study group of 35 each using the mean score method. The CBL teaching model was adopted in the control group and the CBL combined with experiential teaching model was adopted in the study group. At the end of the internship, Mini-CEX (mini-clinical evaluation exercise) scores, medical record writing scores, and teaching satisfaction surveys were applied to assess the teaching effects of the two groups. Results: All scores in the Mini-CEX evaluation scale of the students in the study group were higher than those of the control group (P &lt; 0.05); the assessment scores of the students in the study group in the areas of chief complaint, history of other diseases, and psychiatric examination were significantly higher than those of the control group (P &lt; 0.05); and the teaching satisfaction of the students in the study group was higher (94.29%) than that of the control group (71.43%), and the difference was statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The teaching effect of clinical medicine gastroenterology based on CBL and experiential teaching concepts is good, which can effectively improve the theoretical and practical performance of interns and increase teaching satisfaction, and it is worth popularizing and applying in the practice of clinical teaching reform.

Intraprofessional boundary crossing in acute paediatric care: A rich journey for general practice and paediatric residents.

Achieving optimal collaboration between general practitioners and hospital-based critical care doctors is vital yet challenging, necessitating targeted collaborative training during residency. Despite apparent benefits, implementing intraprofessional learning faces constraints. Understanding its occurrence is crucial for engaging and educating residents. Considering boundaries' learning potential, we developed and evaluated an educational programme for general practitioner (GP) and paediatric (P) residents in paediatric emergency care based on Akkerman's Boundary Crossing Theory. The study investigated how intraprofessional learning mechanisms occurred and what learning conditions facilitated or impeded learning of GP and P residents, aiming to optimise educational programme design for intraprofessional collaboration. We developed an educational programme with three activities: joint medical assessments of paediatric patients in each other's context, mutually mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercises (mini-CEXs) about intraprofessional collaboration skills and educational meetings about collaborative care. We performed a qualitative study with a constructivist approach to explore experiences of the programme. We conducted focus group interviews and analysed mini-CEXs, utilising Boundary Crossing theory for template analysis. Ten GP and eight P residents participated in our study. Learning mechanisms of identification and coordination dominated the joint medical assessments. Mini-CEXs stimulated reflection. Educational meetings with supervisors about intraprofessional barriers initiated transformation. Facilitated learning conditions were bidirectional crossing, enthusiastic supervisors, residents being familiar with each other, clear mini-CEX design and authentic paediatric cases. Unclear mutual expectations during joint medical assessments impeded learning of residents. Working in each other's context triggers learning mechanisms of identification, coordination and reflection, forming the basis for intraprofessional learning in paediatric emergency care for GP and P residents. For development of new collaboration practices, supervisors are necessary to translate reflection into transformation. Mutual responsibilities and expectations should be made more explicit to create a safer intraprofessional learning environment. Our findings extend to other medical training contexts, leveraging boundaries for learning.

Evaluation par le miniclinical évaluation exercise (Mini-CEX) en réanimation

Mini Clinical Evaluation Exercise (mini-CEX) is one of the assessment tools in medical education. It includes three steps: overview of clinical situation, observation and feedback. To evaluate the feasibility of mini-CEX as a formative assessment tool for medical trainees in 5th year of medicine in a teaching intensive care unit (ICU). Single-center qualitative research conducted in ICU during the 2nd semester of the academic year 2022-2023. Seven core clinical skill assessments were done, and the performance was rated on a 9-point scale. An assessment of the method was conducted with both trainees and clinical educators. We conducted six mini-CEX recorded sessions. All medical students had marks under the average of 4.5. In the first period, the highest mark was obtained for counselling skills (4.5). The best score was obtained for clinical judgement (4) in the second period and for management plan (4) in the third period. Most of medical trainees (11 sur 12) were satisfied with the method and feedback was according to them the most useful step. Ten students agreed fully to introduce this assessment tool in medical educational programs. Two medical educators out of three did not practice this method before. They agreed to include mini-CEX in the program of medical education of the faculty of medicine of Tunis. However, they did not agree to use it as a summative assessment tool. Our study demonstrates that we can use the mini-CEX in medical teaching. Both trainees and educators were satisfied with the method.

Trainee anaesthetist self-assessment using an entrustment scale in workplace-based assessment.

The role of self-assessment in workplace-based assessment remains contested. However, anaesthesia trainees need to learn to judge the quality of their own work. Entrustment scales have facilitated a shared understanding of performance standards among supervisors by aligning assessment ratings with everyday clinical supervisory decisions. We hypothesised that if the entrustment scale similarly helped trainees in their self-assessment, there would be substantial agreement between supervisor and trainee ratings. We collected separate mini-clinical evaluation exercises forms from 113 anaesthesia trainee-supervisor pairs from three hospitals in Australia and New Zealand. We calculated the agreement between trainee and supervisor ratings using Pearson and intraclass correlation coefficients. We also tested for associations with demographic variables and examined narrative comments for factors influencing rating. We found ratings agreed in 32% of cases, with 66% of trainee ratings within one point of the supervisor rating on a nine-point scale. The correlation between trainee and supervisor ratings was 0.71, and the degree of agreement measured by the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.67. With higher supervisor ratings, trainee ratings better correlated with supervisor ratings. We found no strong association with demographic variables. Possible explanations of divergent ratings included one party being unaware of a vital aspect of the performance and different interpretations of the prospective nature of the scale. The substantial concordance between trainee and supervisor ratings supports the contention that the entrustment scale helped produce a shared understanding of the desired performance standard. Discussion between trainees and supervisors on the reasoning underlying their respective judgements would provide further opportunities to enhance this shared understanding.

Assessment in Undergraduate Competency-Based Medical Education: A Systematic Review.

Studies that have methodically compiled the body of research on the competency-based medical education (CBME) assessment procedure and pinpointed knowledge gaps about the structure of the assessment process are few. Thus, the goals of the study were to create a model assessment framework for competency-based medical education that would be applicable in the Indian setting as well as to thoroughly examine the competency-based medical education assessment framework. PubMed, MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were the databases that were searched. The search parameters were restricted to English language publications about competency-based education and assessment methods, which were published between January 2006 and December 2020. A descriptive overview of the included research (in tabular form) served as the foundation for the data synthesis. Databases provided 732 records; out of which 36 fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thirty-six studies comprised a mix of randomized controlled trials, focus group interviews, and questionnaire studies, including cross-sectional studies, qualitative studies (03), mixed-method studies, etc. The papers were published in 10 different journals. The greatest number was published in BMC Medical Education (18). The average quality score for included studies was 62.53% (range: 35.71-83.33%). Most authors are from the UK (07), followed by the USA (05). The included studies were grouped into seven categories based on their dominant focus: moving away from a behavioristic approach to a constructive approach of assessment (01 studies), formative assessment (FA) and feedback (10 studies), the hurdles in the implementation of feedback (04 studies), utilization of computer or online based formative test with automated feedback (05 studies), video feedback (02 studies), e-learning platforms for formative assessment (04 studies), studies related to workplace-based assessment (WBA)/mini-clinical evaluation exercise (mini-CEX)/direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS) (10 studies). Various constructivist techniques, such as concept maps, portfolios, and rubrics, can be used for assessments. Self-regulated learning, peer feedback, online formative assessment, an online computer-based formative test with automated feedback, the use of a computerized web-based objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) evaluation system, and the use of narrative feedback instead of numerical scores in mini-CEX are all ways to increase student involvement in the design and implementation of the formative assessment.

Assessing Residents in the Department of Surgery at a Tertiary Care Centre Using Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX).

This study aimed to introduce, sensitize, and train our postgraduate students and faculty of the department of general surgery with the use of mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (mini‑CEX) and to assess the perception of students and faculty towards it. A cross‑sectional observational study was conducted over a period of four months. Ten surgery residents in the department were asked to volunteer to participate and five professors conducted the session. Five sessions of mini‑CEX(nine points) were conducted for each resident in different settings of the out‑patient department (OPD) and in‑patient department (IPD). A total of five skills were tested. Feedback from faculty and residents regarding the perception of mini‑CEX was alsotaken. A statistically significant difference in mean scores of all domains was observed comparing the first and last assessment (p<0.05). Hundred percent of the residents scored superior category (7-9) in the final assessment in all domains, whereas the maximum was in a satisfactory scoring grade in 1st assessment. The time taken for the assessment significantly reduced from 1st assessment to the last assessment in OPD and IPD settings (p=0.001). The mini-CEX assessment tool got 100% feedback from faculty in terms of skill improvement, method, attitude of residents, and ability to identify gaps in knowledge. However, one assessor thought that "time given for assessment" was inadequate and more effort was required than the usual traditional assessment methods. The most identified problem faced by residents was that the "time given during assessment" was less (50%); however, overall residents also found it valid, effective, and helpful in identifying knowledge gaps and improving clinical and communication skills. Mini‑CEX improves the learning environment in residency and also leads to improvement in medical interviewing skills, physical examination skills, humanistic qualities/professionalism, and counseling skills. So, it can be used for residency training in clinical departments.

Construction of a nursing assessment framework for patients in anaesthesia recovery period: A modified Delphi study.

To construct a nursing assessment framework for patients in anaesthesia recovery period. A three-round modified Delphi method was employed to capture the consensus of 22 panellists. The initial items in the nursing assessment framework for patients in anaesthesia recovery period were developed based on the mini-clinical evaluation exercise (mini-CEX). A panel of 22 experts participated in this study. The panellists have more than 10 years of experience in either clinical anaesthesia, or post-anesthesia nursing, or operating room nursing, or surgical intensive nursing. Between March and April 2023, the panellists evaluated and recommended revisions to the initial framework. This study resulted in the development of a nursing assessment framework for patients in anaesthesia recovery period. The initial version of the framework consisted of six dimensions with 27 items. Six items were modified after the first round of consultation. After the second round, five modifications and four deletions were made based on expert opinion. The third round resulted in a convergence of expert opinion. The framework, which consists of 24 items across five dimensions, was refined. The five dimensions are as follows: History-taking, Physical assessment, Clinical judgement, Organizational efficiency and Humanistic concern. The nursing assessment framework for patients in anaesthesia recovery period was reached consensus between the 22 experts' opinions. The assessment framework constructed in this study could be used for the process evaluation of post-anesthesia nursing. The framework may guide perianesthesia nurses in the timely and effective assessment of patients during this critical phase of care. It may be used for perianesthesia nursing education or to evaluate nurses' assessment skills. The study is reported in accordance with the Guidance on Conducting and Reporting DElphi Studies (CREDES) recommendations. No patient or public contribution.

Nursing Students’ Performance and Feedback on Two Clinical Evaluation Methods in Operating Room: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background: Appropriate clinical evaluation methods correct educational errors, improve clinical training, and better judge students’ skills. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of using objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) and mini-clinical evaluation exercise (Mini-CEX) on operating room students’ performance and satisfaction. Methods: One group was evaluated by the Mini-CEX method and the other by the OSCE method after random allocation. Feedback was subsequently collected, and data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: No significant difference was observed between the 2 groups regarding main demographic variables. The percentage of satisfaction with the evaluation method was higher in the Mini-CEX group, but this difference was insignificant (P &gt; 0.05). The highest satisfaction was obtained for “fairness” in the OSCE group and “skill promotion” in the Mini-CEX group. The least satisfaction in both groups was related to “stressfulness.” The mean of final performance scores was significantly higher in the Mini-CEX group (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Although both the OSCE and Mini-CEX evaluation methods achieved acceptable satisfaction, the Mini-CEX evaluation method improved the operating room students’ performance in the clinical field. Therefore, this evaluation method is suggested to enhance the operating room students’ clinical skills.

Use of Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX) in medical residency: a scoping review

Resumo Introdução: Com a evolução do ensino médico para currículos baseados em competências, fez-se necessária uma readequação dos currículos e dos métodos de avaliação, com maior enfoque sobre o cenário de prática profissional e, portanto, na utilização de ferramentas como o Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX). Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o uso da estratégia Mini-CEX como método de avaliação nos programas de residência médica. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão de escopo, cuja estratégia de busca realizada no PubMed resultou em 578 artigos. Após aplicar a metodologia do Instituto Joanna Briggs para inclusão e exclusão, foram selecionados 24 estudos transversais. Resultado: Selecionaram-se artigos referentes a estudos realizados entre 1995 e 2021, em diversos continentes, diferentes programas de residência, e cenários ambulatorial, internação e de emergência. O Mini-CEX mostrou-se aplicável no contexto da residência médica, pois trata-se de uma avaliação observacional direta do atendimento realizado pelo médico residente nos diversos cenários de atuação, como ambulatórios, internações e emergências. Trata-se de uma avaliação com tempo de observação variando de dez a 40 minutos e que permite a abordagem de vários aspectos do atendimento médico, como anamnese, exame físico, raciocínio clínico e aconselhamento, além de possibilitar a realização de um feedback sobre o desempenho dos residentes. Conclusão: O Mini-CEX constitui uma ferramenta de fácil aplicabilidade e promove alto grau de satisfação dos envolvidos, podendo ser utilizada de forma rotineira nos programas de residência médica.

How COVID-19 pandemic affected clinical exposure of final year medical students: A comparison study of portfolio assessments

Background and Objective COVID-19 restrictions had a major impact on the academic sector globally. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical exposure of final year medical students at the professorial unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Colombo South Teaching Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic with those who attended clinical training prior to the pandemic. Methods Systematic sampling of 66 medical students belonging to two clinical groups, who had completed their professorial Obstetrics and Gynaecology appointment during the pandemic, was done, using their student portfolios recording the clinical skills and procedures performed during the appointment. The pre-COVID-19 data were gathered from a previous study carried out in the same unit in 2018. Results Most students managed to complete both the Gynaecological and the Obstetrics Mini–Clinical Evaluation Exercise (62.1% and 56.1% respectively) but, compared to the pre-pandemic era, a higher percentage presented only one case or none. All students completed the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills in episiotomy suturing (100%) and a majority (90.9%) performed artificial rupture of membranes (ARM). However, only 36.4% had the opportunity to perform a PAP smear independently. Majority (95.1%) of the cases were presented to the registrars attached to the unit while only a minority was evaluated by a consultant (3.8%). The Obstetric and Gynaecological clinical procedures and skill acquisition showed slightly lower percentages than in the pre-COVID-19 period with the means and the medians lying in between the 1st and 2nd quartiles of the distribution. Conclusion On average, there was a slight decrease in the clinical exposure to procedures and skills during the COVID-19 outbreak compared to the non-COVID-19 period. Additionally, the opportunity of the medical students to be supervised by a consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist reduced drastically during the pandemic.

Effectiveness of Participatory Teaching Methods in the Standardized Training of Respiratory Medicine Residents

Objective: To explore and analyze the application effect of participatory teaching method in the standardized training of respiratory medicine residents. Methods: The study period was from May 2022 to May 2023. 20 doctors in the standardized training of respiratory medicine residency in our hospital were taken as research subjects and grouped into the participatory group (n = 10) and the routine group (n = 10) by using the random number lottery method. The participatory group practised participatory teaching methods, and the routine group practised routine teaching methods. The results of discharge assessment, teaching evaluation, and mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (mini-CEX) assessment were compared between the groups. Results: The theoretical assessment, operational assessment, and total scores of the participatory group were significantly higher than those of the routine group, and the difference was statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05). The teaching evaluation of independent learning, theoretical mastery, teamwork, clinical thinking, communication, and learning interest of the participatory group was significantly higher than that of the routine group, and the difference was statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05). The mini-CEX assessments of history inquiry, organizational effectiveness, professionalism, physical examination, clinical diagnosis, communication skills, and overall clinical competence of the participatory group were significantly better than those of the routine group, and the difference was statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05). The teaching satisfaction of the participatory group was significantly higher than that of the routine group, the difference was statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Participatory teaching methods can improve the overall level of doctors in the respiratory medicine residency standardized training, and the teaching satisfaction is improved.

Assessments Used for Summative Purposes during Internal Medicine Specialist Training: A Rapid Review

Assessments used for summative purposes of patient-facing clinical competency in specialist internal medicine training are high-stakes, both to doctors in training, as it is a prerequisite for qualification, as well as their community of prospective patients. A rapid review of the literature evaluated methods of assessments used for summative purposes of patient-facing clinical competency during specialist internal medicine training in Australia. Four online databases identified literature published since the year 2000 that reported on summative assessment in specialist medical training. Two reviewers screened and selected eligible studies and extracted data, with a focus on evidence of support for the criteria for good assessment as set out in the 2010 Ottawa Consensus framework for good assessment. Ten eligible studies were included. Four studied the mini-clinical evaluation exercise (mini-CEX), two the Royal Australasian College of Physicians short case exam, three a variety of Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) or summative entrustment and progression review processes, and one a novel clinical observation tool. The mini-CEX assessment demonstrated the most evidence in support of the Ottawa criteria. There was a paucity of published evidence regarding the best form of summative assessment of patient-facing clinical competency in specialist internal medicine training.

Actividad científica sobre Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (mini-CEX) en áreas de ciencias de la salud: un estudio bibliométrico

IntroductionThe Mini Clinical Evaluation Exercise is an educational tool that allows the evaluation of various clinical competencies and work scenarios. The aim of this study was to analyze the bibliometric characteristics and impact of the scientific production of Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (mini-CEX) in the health sciences. MethodsBibliometric study whose search source was Scopus, the query was performed on May 8, 2023, considering a search strategy consisting of Boolean operators and key terms. The SciVal tool and the RStudio Bibliometrix module were used to estimate and visualize the bibliometric parameters. ResultsWeller and Chen were representative authors and showed dissemination connections with the main countries (Australia and China). The journal Education for Primary Care (Q2) was the most productive. Among the subcategories, General Medicine (34 publications) and Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine (21.1 citations per publication) had more publications and higher impact, respectively. Most manuscripts are published in Q3 quartile journals (30.9%), followed by Q1 quartile (25.5%); moreover, in the period 2017 to 2021 there was an increase in publications (50 articles). Publications with institutional were more frequent, but those with international collaboration had more citations per publication. ConclusionsIn the last five years there is an increase in the number of published research on mini-CEX, and the main journal for dissemination was Education for Primary Care. National and institutional collaboration were the most frequent; in addition, Australia, China and the United States led the scientific activity in this field.

Designing and implementing an OMMID midwifery professional competence mixed test: A multimethod, multiphasic study

The assessment of professional competence is essential to ensure the achievement of competence standards. The goal of this study is to design and implement a professional competence test model to make the test unified, comprehensive, and fair. This research was a multimethod, multiphasic study. The first qualitative phase of the nominal group technique was conducted to design the test model with specific guidelines. The second phase was a mixed-method parallel field trial conducted on 161 senior midwifery bachelor students in universities of Iran. The test was conducted following the traditional method in the control group and OMMID model in the intervention group. This model consists of three parts: the MCQs (multiple choice questions), OSCE (objective structured clinical examination), and clinically-oriented tests, which included Mini-CEX (mini-clinical evaluation exercise) and DOPS (direct observation of procedural skills). Data were collected using questionnaires and interviews, and the results were assessed qualitatively and quantitatively. The OMMID model and the associated guideline were designed. Qualitative data analysis resulted in six main themes, including organizing, structure, tension due to change, fairness, unification, and outcome. The OMMID model did not increase students' anxiety and stress and did not decrease their satisfaction. The merits of this model include having a centralized guideline, using multiple evaluation methods, comprehensive evaluation of necessary skills, promotion of fairness, and increased student satisfaction.

Impact of using peer role-playing on the clinical skills performance of pediatric trainees

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of peer role-playing on the clinical skills performance of pediatric trainees.MethodsSeventy-eight clinical medicine trainees were randomly divided into a role-playing group and a traditional teaching group, with 39 students in each group. The role-playing group alternated between the roles of clinicians and patients, while the traditional teaching group received the bedside teaching mode of verbal instruction. After two weeks traineeship, mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise(Mini-CEX) was used to evaluate the trainees’ competence in physician-patient communication and clinical practice. A questionnaire was given to the role-playing group to assess their satisfaction with the method.ResultsThe Mini-CEX scores showed that the role-playing group had superior clinical skills (p < 0.05), including communication, history taking, professionalism, organization, clinical skills, and physical examination, compared to the traditional teaching group. Furthermore, trainee satisfaction was high with the role-playing method,and the satisfaction were more than 95%.ConclusionThe role-playing method effectively improved the clinical skills of pediatric trainees, developed clinical communication skills, and enhanced the application of medical knowledge in a simulated medical environment.

The Utility of the Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX) in the Emergency Department: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Evaluating the Readability, Feasibility, and Acceptability of Mini-CEX Utilization.

Assessment tools, such as the mini-clinical evaluation exercise (mini-CEX), have been developed to evaluate the competence of medical trainees during routine duties. However, their effectiveness in busy environments, such as the emergency department (ED), is poorly understood. This study assesses the feasibility, reliability, and acceptability of implementing the mini-CEX in the ED. PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were scoured for observational and randomized trials related to our topic. Moreover, a manual search was also conducted to identify additional studies. After the literature search, data were extracted from studies that were eligible for inclusion by two independent reviewers. When applicable, meta-analyses were performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. In addition, the methodological quality of studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Of the 2,105 articles gathered through database and manual searches, only four met the criteria for inclusion in the review. A combined analysis of three studies revealed that trainee-patient interactions averaged 16.05 minutes (95% CI = 14.21-17.88), and feedback was given in about 10.78 minutes (95% CI = 10.19-11.38). The completion rates for mini-CEX were high: 95.7% (95% CI = 87.6-98.6) for medical trainees and 95.8% (95% CI = 89.7-98.3) for assessors. Satisfaction with mini-CEX was notable, with 63.5% (95% CI = 51.5-74.1) of medical trainees and 75.7% (95% CI = 63.9-84.6) of assessors expressing contentment. Qualitative data from one study demonstrated that 70.6% of faculty members could allocate suitable time for mini-CEX during their clinical shifts. The mini-CEX is a feasible and acceptable assessment tool within the ED. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that it might be reliable.

Assessment for learning of paediatric cardiology trainees in 41 centres from 19 European countries.

Limited data exist on how trainees in paediatric cardiology are assessed among countries affiliated with the Association of European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology. A structured and approved questionnaire was circulated to educationalists/trainers in 95 Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology training centres. Trainers from 46 centres responded with complete data in 41 centres. Instructional design included bedside teaching (41/41), didactic teaching (38/41), problem-based learning (28/41), cardiac catheterisation calculations (34/41), journal club (31/41), fellows presenting in the multidisciplinary meeting (41/41), fellows reporting on echocardiograms (34/41), clinical simulation (17/41), echocardiography simulation (10/41), and catheterisation simulation (3/41). Assessment included case-based discussion (n = 27), mini-clinical evaluation exercise (mini-CEX) (n = 12), directly observed procedures (n = 12), oral examination (n = 16), long cases (n = 11), written essay questions (n = 6), multiple choice questions (n = 5), and objective structured clinical examination (n = 2). Entrustable professional activities were utilised in 10 (24%) centres. Feedback was summative only in 17/41 (41%) centres, formative only in 12/41 (29%) centres and a combination of formative and summative feedback in 10/41 (24%) centres. Written feedback was provided in 10/41 (24%) centres. Verbal feedback was most common in 37/41 (90 %) centres. There is a marked variation in instructional design and assessment across European paediatric cardiac centres. A wide mix of assessment tools are used. Feedback is provided by the majority of centres, mostly verbal summative feedback. Adopting a programmatic assessment focusing on competency/capability using multiple assessment tools with regular formative multisource feedback may promote assessment for learning of paediatric cardiology trainees.

Effects of the mini-clinical evaluation exercise teaching mode based on nurse-faculty cooperation in Fundamentals of Nursing course: A quasi-experimental study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the effects of the mini-clinical evaluation exercise (mini-CEX) teaching model based on nurse-faculty collaboration in Fundamentals of Nursing course. MethodsA quasi-experimental design was conducted. A total of 111 nursing students of two parallel classes were recruited from a nursing college in Guilin, China from February to December 2022, and allocated to the intervention group (n = 56) and control group (n = 55). The intervention group received a mini-CEX teaching model based on nurse-faculty collaboration, the teaching-learning process included scenario creation (10 min), inquiry-based learning (30 min), case report (30 min), scenario simulation exercise (40 min), and effectiveness evaluation (10 min). While the control group received conventional teaching method. All students were invited to complete the College Classroom Climate Assessment Scale (CCCA) and the Chinese version of the Competency Inventory for Nursing Students (CINS-CV) before and after the intervention. Course achievement of students was evaluated. After the intervention, the intervention group was asked an open-ended question to explore the difficulties or challenges they had encountered. ResultsAfter intervention, the CCCA score (208.36 ± 23.25 vs. 190.60 ± 28.83), CINS-CV score(106.95 ± 14.48 vs. 99.55 ± 14.60), the oretical exam score (83.01 ± 4.27 vs. 79.75 ± 5.45), and scenario simulation exam score (89.23 ± 3.17 vs. 81.42 ± 7.19) of intervention group were higher than those of the control group (P＜0.01). The open-ended questionnaire survey revealed that the difficulties or challenges faced by the intervention group were mainly related to case analysis, group cooperation, learning material acquisition, and teacher guidance. ConclusionApplying the mini-CEX teaching model based on nurse-faculty collaboration could cultivate nursing students’ competency, build a positive classroom climate, and improve the course achievement of students.