Mini-CEX: A Method Integrating Direct Observation and Constructive Feedback for Assessing Professional Performance

pp. 531-536

Abstract

The mini-CEX (mini clinical evaluation exercise) is a tool for the assessment of professional performance of residents through direct observation of resident-patient encounter, evaluating clinical skills and providing subsequent feedback in the work setting. The exam focuses on the evaluation of resident’s skills during resident-patient encounter. The evaluator must document resident’s performance in six areas of competence. The exam is easy to apply as it fits in real life settings in the different clinical scenarios. The evaluation should not take more than 20 minutes and each resident should have 8 mini-CEX per year of training with different faculties.

Faculties should previously define the areas of competence to evaluate and the minimum performance standards residents should reach. All the completed forms should be used to construct a database in order to monitor the evaluation process and make the necessary corrections.