A scoring technique for computerized patient management problems

Abstract

Summary A scoring technique was developed for computerized patient management problems, based on an external criterion group of practising paediatricians. The technique was used successfully to score the 1974 computerized patient management problems examination, taken by paediatric candidates as part of the certification process required by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Statistical analysis indicated there was significant agreement between practising paediatricians’ and candidates’ responses. Comparison of responses of both groups suggested that differences between candidates and practising paediatricians were due to different approaches to the content of the problem, rather than a defect of scoring. The technique will be revised as computerized examinations are increasingly adopted by other medical specialties.