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Repeated use of computerized case simulations in a test format does not present a security risk.

T G Lynch·R J Zadalis·P D Schneider
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Computer-based examination formats permit evaluation of patient care strategies in a realistic context. Because such examinations are complex and difficult to develop, the same case simulations must often be used on multiple occasions. METHODS: To determine if repeated, serial administration of computerized case simulations influences performance, 8 simulations were administered over 2 consecutive years to 252 third-year medical students at the conclusion of 16 surgical clerkship rotations (8 per year). One-way analyses of variance were used to compare scores across rotations during the year and to compare scores between 2 consecutive academic years. Scheffe pairwise comparisons were used to identify trends within each academic year. RESULTS: The data demonstrate an increase in scores across rotations during the year. There is, however, no difference between scores in successive years. CONCLUSIONS: The data are consistent with an increase in knowledge during the course of the year, without evidence that test information transfer influences the performance of successive classes.

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Clinical ClerkshipClinical CompetenceComputer SimulationFollow-Up StudiesGeneral SurgeryHumansRetrospective StudiesSecurity MeasuresStudents, MedicalComparative StudyJournal Article

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T G Lynch, R J Zadalis, P D Schneider. 1999. Repeated use of computerized case simulations in a test format does not present a security risk.. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0002-9610(99)00018-5

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