Evaluation of radiographic interpretation competence of veterinary students in Finland

In the evaluation of the clinical competence of veterinary students, many different definitions and methods are approved. Due to the increasing discussion of the quality of outcomes produced by newly graduated veterinarians, methods for the evaluation of clinical competencies should also be evaluated. In this study, this was done by comparing two qualitative evaluation schemes: the well-known structure of observed learning outcome (SOLO) taxonomy and a modification of this taxonomy. A case-based final radiologic examination was selected and the investigation was performed by classifying students' outcomes. These classes were finally put next to original (quantitative) scores and the statistical calculations were initiated. Significant correlations between taxonomies (0.53) and the modified taxonomy and original scores (0.66) were found and some qualitative similarities between evaluation methods were observed. In addition, some supplements were recommended for the structure of evaluation schemes, especially for the structure of the modified SOLO taxonomy.