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A criterion-referenced examination in cardiovascular disease
J J Norcini1, J A Shea, E W Hancock
1American Board of Internal Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104.
Medical Education
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Criterion-referenced tests for electrocardiograph reading and cardiology knowledge show dependable results. These assessments accurately identify candidates needing further training, impacting certification rates.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Cardiology Assessment
Background:
- Traditional norm-referenced tests may not fully capture essential clinical skills.
- Need for reliable assessments in cardiology training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and validate criterion-referenced tests for electrocardiograph reading and cardiology knowledge.
- To evaluate the impact of these tests on certification outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Development and validation of two criterion-referenced tests.
- Analysis of test dependability, validity, and relationship with training quality.
- Examination of impact on certification rates.
Main Results:
- Criterion-referenced tests demonstrated dependable results individually and combined.
- Scores correlated with residency training quality and examination experience.
- Tests identified a subset of candidates passing norm-referenced but failing criterion-referenced sections.
Conclusions:
- Criterion-referenced testing is a dependable method for assessing cardiology knowledge and skills.
- These tests enhance the validity of certification by identifying specific competency gaps.
- Findings support previous research and extend it to cardiology knowledge assessment.