Paediatric candidates' attitudes to computerized patient management problems in a certifying examination

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Health Professions Education
• Assessment in Medicine

Background:

• The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada utilizes computerized patient management problem (CPMP) examinations as part of its paediatric certification process.
• Evaluating candidate perception of novel examination formats is crucial for refining assessment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess candidate reactions to the computerized patient management problem (CPMP) examination format.
• To identify areas for improvement in the CPMP examination process for paediatric certification.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was administered to candidates who completed the CPMP examination in September 1974.
• Data collected focused on candidate experience, equipment interaction, and problem design.

Main Results:

• Respondents generally held favorable views towards the CPMP examination.
• Minimal distraction was reported regarding equipment, problem logic, or semantics.
• The CPMP was deemed an acceptable examination technique by candidates.

Conclusions:

• Computerized patient management problem (CPMP) examinations are a viable assessment tool in paediatric certification.
• Recommendations include providing practice time, clarifying instructions, and revising inadequate problems based on candidate feedback.