Table 3.
Comparison of self-assessed skills and abilities after an EM rotation by length of clerkship
| Two-week post-test mean score | Four-week post-test mean score | P-value(t-test)* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conduct an initial assessment of an acutely ill patient |
4.17 |
4.21 |
0.79 |
| Identify a “sick” vs. “non-sick” patient |
4.30 |
4.32 |
0.88 |
| Formulate a differential diagnosis |
4.23 |
4.26 |
0.83 |
| Develop an appropriate management plan |
3.91 |
3.98 |
0.57 |
| Explain to others the core elements and principles of the modern practice of EM |
3.74 |
3.91 |
0.33 |
| Present patient cases in a formal setting |
3.89 |
4.33 |
0.01 |
| Present patient cases in an informal setting |
4.34 |
4.50 |
0.25 |
|
Procedures: |
|
|
|
| Wound closure and repair |
3.64 |
4.21 |
0.00 |
| Gynecologic exams |
3.53 |
4.17 |
0.00 |
| Foley catheter insertion |
3.28 |
4.23 |
0.00 |
| Incision & drainage |
3.77 |
4.35 |
0.00 |
| EKG interpretation |
3.06 |
3.25 |
0.28 |
| Basic life support |
3.28 |
3.75 |
0.03 |
| Major medical resuscitation |
2.48 |
2.92 |
0.03 |
| Major trauma resuscitation |
2.40 |
2.90 |
0.02 |
| Splinting/fracture care |
2.96 |
3.23 |
0.22 |
| IV access/venipuncture |
2.87 |
3.27 |
0.05 |
| NG tube placement | 2.51 | 3.13 | 0.01 |
*P-values calculated using two-tailed t-test for samples of equal variance.
^ Scored using a Likert scale ranging from 1 (not confident at all) to 5 (great confidence).