1999 Highlights

Research and Evaluation

The first half of the year focused on the development and implementation of the Macy OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations). In May, 11 Macy OSCEs were conducted at UMass - 91 UMass Chan students (Class of 2000) completed the evaluation. In May and June, UMass also provided technical assistance to support the administration of the OSCEs at NYU and CWRU. During the second half of the year, members of the UMass Evaluation Team participated in the following activities: conducting an analysis of results of the exposure/ competence/confidence survey of second year medical students, implemented in June, 1999; continuing to plan with Dr.Yedidia for the reliability assessment of the OSCEs; developing a plan to determine the level and quality of 3rd year curriculum implementation; initiating the development of a paper and pencil measure of students' communication competencies; planning the formation of a Technical Advisory Committee for the paper/pencil exam; developing clerkship implementation checklists, and assessments of the quality of teaching the Macy competencies in the 3rd year clerkships. In November, the UMass Chan Evaluation Team recommended that all three schools consider the need to include additional measures in the evaluation of the Macy project.