Use of workplace based assessment tools in nuclear medicine in a radiology residency program

Objectives To document the introduction of two workplace based assessment tools in Nuclear Medicine for a Radiology residency program, and to assess its impact and resident feedback.

Methods Two workplace based assessment tools, the direct observation of procedural skills (Rad-DOPS) and Mini Image Interpretation exercise (Mini-IPX) were modified from those used by RCR, and implemented in the Nuclear Medicine Section during the rotation of Radiology residents. Each resident underwent one assessment each with these two tools during their monthly rotations in Nuclear Medicine. The feedback provided was documented, including the opinions of the residents regarding the process. The subsequent assessments of the residents were compared with their previous ones and evidence of any change in performance noted based on comments from previous assessments. A total of twelve residents were involved over a one year period.

Results The results revealed general acceptance of these tools by the residents as part of their workplace based assessment. Objective evidence of improvement in performance was noted in ten of the twelve residents, based on the feedback from the serial assessments.

Conclusions The study documents the utility of the workplace based assessment tools in the formative assessment of residents in Nuclear Medicine, and also their acceptance by the residents.