A study investigated possible differences in standardized patient examination scores for three groups of undergraduate (n=176) and graduate (n=221) medical students assessed at different sites over two years. Results show no systematic change in scores over testing dates, suggesting no problems with breach of test security. (MSE)

In 1976-77 a physical examination course taught by nurse practitioners (NPs) at the University of Arizona College of Medicine was implemented. In 1977-78 a research project examined whether students' ability to perform varied according to whether they were taught by NPs, residents, or physicians; no significant differences were found. (Author/MLW)

The Arizona Clinical Interview Rating Scale is examined for construct validity as a instrument to evaluate the interviewing techniques of medical students. Evidence was gathered in the areas of convergent and discriminant validity, sensitivity to change, internal consistency, and objectivity. (Author)

A clinical correlations course at the University of Arizona, in which the students evaluate multiple lecturers in multiple content areas, provided the opportunity to demonstrate the reliability and validity of student evaluations. Changes in faculty performance over 2 consecutive years were observed. (Author/MLW)

A program developed at the University of Arizona College of Medicine that used patient instructors to evaluate interviewing skills of medical students is described. Patient instructors are nonphysicians who are taught to function in the roles of patient, teacher, and evaluator. (Author/MLW)

The University of Arizona College of Medicine program described extends the role of practical instructor or programmed patient to that of evaluator and teacher of neurological examinations skills for preclinical medical students. The process may help improve the quality of medical education without increasing the size of clinical faculty. (LBH)

An inexpensive videotape testing system has been developed at the Department of Pediatrics and Department of Medical TV-Cinematography at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. The development and validation of a test using this system to assess observational skills important for accurate physical diagnosis are described. (LBH)

The potential of nurse practitioners as clinical instructors of physical examination skills is discussed. A new first-year medical school course in physical examination designed and implemented at the University of Arizona College of Medicine is reported. (Author/LBH)

A collaborative study between two medical schools to evaluate the teaching of physical examination skills to medical students, assess the effect of different instructional methods, and improve teaching programs is presented. Students at the two schools were videotaped and the videotapes were sent to a third school for independent evaluation.…

A study of a medical student clinical assessment program since 1986 at the University of Massachusetts indicates student awareness of increased faculty observation and increased feedback to students during and following clinical rotations. Results indicate a conscious faculty effort to improve students' clinical skills by improved observation and…

Medical schools (N=136) were surveyed concerning their use of standardized patients (lay persons trained to replicate a clinical encounter consistently and realistically). Among 16 specific topics covered are breast and pelvic examination, male genitourinary examination, interviewing skills, administration of program, start-up concerns, and…

Faculty from 5 New England medical schools developed 36 patient cases representing a variety of common ambulatory-care problems. Students were tested by interacting with 16 different standardized patients, who were nonphysicians trained to accurately and consistently portray a patient in a simulated clinical setting. (Author/MLW)