Script concordance tests production optimization using enhanced interactive training: randomized, single-blind,...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Clinical Reasoning Assessment

Background:

• The Script Concordance Test (SCT) is a valuable tool for assessing clinical reasoning.
• Faculty awareness and panelist recruitment for SCT development present challenges.
• This study investigated the impact of training on SCT quality among junior faculty.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the benefits of providing training on the quality of Script Concordance Tests (SCTs) developed by junior faculty members.
• To assess the impact of interactive training on the validity of SCTs.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, single-blind, two-center trial was conducted.
• The intervention involved a 2-hour interactive training session on SCT writing.
• The primary outcome measured was the percentage of valid post-intervention SCTs in trained versus control groups.

Main Results:

• Trained junior faculty produced a significantly higher percentage of valid SCTs (41%) compared to the control group (16%, p < 0.001).
• A sensitivity analysis confirmed these findings, showing an adjusted odds ratio of 2.53 (p < 0.001) for producing valid SCTs in the trained group.
• 115 participants across two medical schools generated 460 SCTs, with nine expert panels assembled.

Conclusions:

• Initial training in SCT writing quality offers significant benefits for inexperienced physicians.
• Training enhances the production of valid Script Concordance Tests, improving clinical reasoning assessment tools.