Validation of a New Tool to Assess Clinical Reasoning in Radiation Oncology
Author Information
Author(s): Lambert Carole, Gagnon Robert, Nguyen David, Charlin Bernard
Primary Institution: University of Montreal
Hypothesis
Is it possible to obtain reliable scores on clinical reasoning in radiation oncology?
Conclusion
The Script Concordance Test is a reliable and useful tool to assess clinical reasoning in radiation oncology residents.
Supporting Evidence
- The test showed a Cronbach alpha of 0.90, indicating high reliability.
- Mean scores were significantly different among students, residents, and oncologists.
- Participants completed the test in under an hour, indicating feasibility.
- Junior residents scored lower than senior residents, showing progression in clinical reasoning.
Takeaway
This study created a test to see how well doctors think through complex medical situations, and it showed that more experienced doctors do better on the test.
Methodology
A 90-item Script Concordance Test was administered to 155 participants across three levels of experience in radiation oncology.
Potential Biases
Panel members may not have treated certain pathologies for many years, potentially affecting their scoring.
Limitations
The study only addresses three specific areas of radiation oncology and participants come from a limited geographic area.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 70 medical students, 38 radiation oncology residents, and 47 radiation oncologists.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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