The clinical assessment experience of operating room technology students

Research evidence indicates an average quality of clinical assessment of operating room technology students, and so far, no specific assessment model has been offered to measure the clinical skills of these students. Therefore, the aim of this research was to explain the live experiences of operating room technology students with regard to clinical assessment challenges.

This qualitative study was conducted using the content analysis approach, and ten eligible students selected by purposeful sampling were included in the study. The data were collected using semistructured interviews with questions such as "What is your opinion on a good assessment?" The collected data were analyzed according to the steps proposed by Graneheim and Lundman.

Based on the deep and rich descriptions vocalized by the participants, three themes and eight subthemes were obtained. The subthemes related to the issues pertaining to the executive agents of clinical assessments included "instructor's inappropriate attitudes and qualifications" and "self-assessment". The subthemes related to the necessities and methods of the assessment included "inappropriate assessment of practical skills and activities", "unavailability of the necessary equipment", "non-transparent assessment methods", and "inadequate assessment time". The subthemes related to the mental and behavioral status of the executive agents of assessments included "inappropriate interpersonal relationships" and "insufficient self-confidence".

Based on the results of this research, instructors should improve their necessary practical skills and knowledge about clinical assessments and apply new methods and tools for executing these types of assessments.