Perception of Students and Staff Toward Script Concordance Test as A New Assessment Tool for Measuring Clinical Reasoning in A Problem Based Learning Medical School in Egypt

Background: Problem Based Learning (PBL) is an educational strategy that helps students to integrate new information in a rich and connected knowledge network, thus promoting clinical reasoning skills. The Script Concordance Test (SCT) is a new assessment tool that assesses clinical judgment objectively in medical students. It is based upon an adaptation of the cognitive psychology script theory. Aim: This study aimed to explore the students' and subject matter experts' perception towards SCT as a tool to assess clinical reasoning during the clinical clerkship years at the faculty of medicine, Suez Canal University. Subjects and Methods: A Script Concordance Test (SCT) was developed in pediatrics. It comprises 10 clinical vignettes and 30 test items to assess aspects such as clinical diagnosis, investigation and treatment, as well as biomedical ethics. It was validated and given to 170 sixth year students and a panel of experts comprising 10 pediatricians. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to the participants of the study to assess their perception about SCT as a new assessment tool for clinical reasoning. Results: The results of the study showed a statistically significant difference (p< 0.001) between the mean of the students’ total test score (46.24±10.39) and the mean of the experts’ total test score (78.05±11.38). Furthermore, 77.1% of the students and all experts agreed that the SCT could help in preparing students for their future practice. Conclusion: Students and faculty perceived SCT to be suitable for use during the clinical clerkship years and for postgraduate studies