The script concordance test in radiation oncology: validation study of a new tool to assess clinical reasoning
2009

Validation of a New Tool to Assess Clinical Reasoning in Radiation Oncology

Sample size: 155 publication Evidence: high

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)

10.1186/1748-717X-4-7

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication