The mini clinical evaluation exercise (mini-CEX) for assessing clinical performance of international medical graduates

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, reliability and acceptability of the mini clinical evaluation exercise (mini-CEX) for performance assessment among international medical graduates (IMGs). Design, setting and participants: Observational study of 209 patient encounters involving 28 IMGs and 35 examiners at three metropolitan teaching hospitals in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, September-December 2006. Main outcome measures: The reliability of the mini-CEX was estimated using generatisability (G) analysis, and its acceptability was evaluated by a written survey of the examiners and IMGs. Results: The G coefficient for eight encounters was 0.88, suggesting that the reliability of the mini-CEX was 0.90 for 10 encounters. Almost half of the IMGs (7/16) and most examiners (14/18) were satisfied with the mini-CEX as a learning tool. Most of the IMGs and examiners enjoyed the immediate feedback, which is a strong component of the tool. Conclusion: The mini-CEX is a reliable tool for performance assessment of IMGs, and is acceptable to and well received by both learners and supervisors

A systematic approach to workplace-based assessment for international medical graduates

Objectives: To test whether a summative workplace-based assessment (WBA) is feasible and acceptable for international medical graduates (IMGs). Design, setting and participants: A 6-month trial with 27 IMGs from teaching hospitals in Newcastle, Australia. IMGs were assessed by 65 trained assessors from different disciplines, using blueprinted, preset criteria. Main outcome measures: Mini-clinical evaluation exercises, case-based discussions, in-training assessments and multisource feedback. At the end of the trial, assessors and candidates gave feedback. Results: All IMGs were successful at the end of the assessment. The format was well received and acceptable to the candidates and assessors. Conclusions: WBA is feasible and acceptable to assessors and candidates for assessment of IMGs, but it is intensive in use of resources and time