A description and four-year analysis of a clinical clerkship evaluation system

Major issues related to evaluating student performance in clinical clerkships are reviewed, and the development of a clerkship evaluation system which attempts to deal with each issue is described. Three evaluation methods are utilized: multiple choice examination, oral examination, and ward ratings. Scores from each evaluation method for the classes of 1977-80 were analyzed to determine dependability and validity. Results indicate that the multiple choice and oral exam scores were highly dependable each year; however, the ward ratings were not dependable during the first year of use. Over the four-year period, the ward rating criteria were kept the same, annual feedback to individual faculty was provided, and residents were added as raters. The cumulative effect appears to have been a pronounced improvement in the dependability of the ward rating scores. As a result, ward rating scores now receive greater emphasis in evaluating student clerkship performance.