Global benchmarking of medical student learning outcomes? Implementation and pilot results of the International Foundations of Medicine Clinical Sciences Exam at The University of Queensland, Australia. (January 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wilkinson, David; Schafer, Jennifer; Hewett, David; Eley, Diann; Swanson, Dave
• Is Part Of: Medical teacher. Volume 36:Number 1(2014)
• Page Start: 62
• Page End: 67
• Publication Date: 2014-01
• Subjects: Medical education -- Periodicals; 610.711
• DOI: 10.3109/0142159X.2013.849331
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-159X

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p> <bold>Objective</bold>: To report pilot results for international benchmarking of learning outcomes among 426 final year medical students at the University of Queensland (UQ), Australia.</p> <p> <bold>Methods</bold>: Students took the International Foundations of Medicine (IFOM) Clinical Sciences Exam (CSE) developed by the National Board of Medical Examiners, USA, as a required formative assessment. IFOM CSE comprises 160 multiple-choice questions in medicine, surgery, obstetrics, paediatrics and mental health, taken over 4.5 hours.</p> <p> <bold>Outcomes</bold>: Significant implementation issues; IFOM scores and benchmarking with International Comparison Group (ICG) scores and United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) scores; and correlation with UQ medical degree cumulative grade point average (GPA).</p> <p> <bold>Results</bold>: Implementation as an online exam, under university-mandated conditions was successful. Mean IFOM score was 531.3 (maximum 779-minimum 200). The UQ cohort performed better (31% scored below 500) than the ICG (55% below 500). However 49% of the UQ cohort did not meet the USMLE Step 2 CK minimum score. Correlation between IFOM scores and UQ cumulative GPA was reasonable at 0.552 (<italic>p</italic> < 0.001).</p> <p> <bold>Conclusions</bold>: International benchmarking is feasible and provides a variety of useful benchmarking opportunities.</p> </abstract>