Modified Delphi study - A UK diagnostic radiography standardised clinical assessment tool

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Radiography
• Healthcare Professions Education

Background:

• Clinical education is vital for diagnostic radiography learners in the UK.
• Variations in clinical assessment processes raise concerns about educational parity and consistency.
• A modified-Delphi study was conducted to address these inconsistencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a national standardised clinical assessment tool (CAT) for diagnostic radiography.
• To achieve consensus on essential components for the CAT, including review processes, proficiencies, behaviours, and marking criteria.

Main Methods:

• A three-round modified-Delphi study involving academics, clinicians, and learners.
• Consensus-building approach supported by a project steering group.
• Focused on defining integrated review, clinical proficiencies, professional behaviours, marking criteria, and roles.

Main Results:

• Consensus was achieved on the integrated review process, roles, responsibilities, and professional behaviours.
• A final list includes sixteen clinical proficiencies and eight professional behaviours with defined marking criteria.
• Areas of disagreement involved grading systems, summative assessment formats, and specific terminology.

Conclusions:

• The proposed CAT is the first national, consensus-based standardised tool for UK pre-registration diagnostic radiography.
• Further piloting and assessor training are necessary to validate the tool's reliability and fitness for purpose.
• Standardisation through the CAT could enhance educational parity, improve experiences, foster collaboration, and potentially increase clinical placement capacity.