Peer and Self-assessment of Professionalism in Undergraduate Medical Students at the University of Calgary

Authors

  • Pauline Alakija Chinook Regional Hospital, Lethbridge
  • Jocelyn Lockyer University of Calgary

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36834/cmej.36550

Abstract

Background: Peer and self assessment processes are integral to the development of professional behaviours. The purpose of this study was to assess the Rochester Peer Assessment Tool (RPAT) among a group of volunteer first year students.

Methods: We assessed feasibility through participation rates. The evidence for the validity of instrument scores was ascertained through an exploratory factor analysis, MANOVA to determine age and gender differences, and a discrepancy analysis between the self and peer data. Reliability analyses included the Cronbach's alpha analysis and G- and D-studies. Students completed a feedback questionnaire to provide data about acceptability.

Results: Self and peer data were collected for 46 and 44 students, respectively. Each student had a mean of 7.2 peer assessments (out of a possible 8).  The factor analysis identified two factors, interpersonal skills and work study habits. The discrepancy analysis showed students in the lowest/highest quartiles, as assessed by peers, had higher/lower self means than peer means. The G-coefficient was Ep2 = 0.77. Student feedback was positive.

Conclusions: RPAT was feasible in our setting, was acceptable to the students, and has been adopted as a mandatory part of our program for first and second year students. The study added to the evidence base for the reliability and validity of the RPAT instrument scores as a method of assessing professional behaviours.

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Author Biographies

Pauline Alakija, Chinook Regional Hospital, Lethbridge

Jocelyn Lockyer PhD Professor, Department of Community Health Sciences and Associate Dean, Continuing Medical Education and Professional Development, University of Calgary, 

Jocelyn Lockyer, University of Calgary

Pathologist, Chinook Regional Hospital

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Published

2011-11-22

How to Cite

1.
Alakija P, Lockyer J. Peer and Self-assessment of Professionalism in Undergraduate Medical Students at the University of Calgary. Can. Med. Ed. J [Internet]. 2011 Nov. 22 [cited 2024 Oct. 6];2(2):e65-e72. Available from: https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/cmej/article/view/36550

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Section

Original Research