Developing and Validating an Assessment Blueprint for Clinical Skill Competencies in General Surgery for the Medical Undergraduates

Abstract

Background: Assessment is the requisite or essential part of medical education. A Blueprint is a calibrated or quality document that compiles the entire educational content and its outcome.Objectives: The present study was done to develop an assessment blueprint for clinical skill competencies in the Department of General Surgery for medical undergraduates.Methods: Blueprint was developed as an assessment tool for undergraduate medical students attending the third stage of general surgery, part 2. The feedback form was circulated among the departmental faculty to obtain their perception/ opinion about the designed blueprint. The feedback was then analysed.Results: Feedback was 73- 83% satisfactory from the faculty’s opinion, and they stated that it aligned with learning objectives and public health. Important topics were considered, and they can be used to assess in-depth knowledge to improve clinical skills and be considered an integral part of assessments.Conclusion: Blueprint could be an essential tool to conduct unbiased, ethical, and consistent examinations because it has a structured format that reflects the competencies that can be assessed. This may help quality medical education by improving assessment standards.

Keywords

• blueprint
• general surgery
• medical education
• assessment tool