Development of a criterion-based assessment form for clinical radiographic practice

Abstract

The presentation focuses on the pros and cons of engaging relevant stakeholders in the development of the assessment form. The assessment form was used in assessing learners’ competency in clinical radiographic practice. The objective behind the development of the form was to improve consistency among the various assessors who conduct assessments on radiography learners in the clinical environment. Practitioner action research was identified as the appropriate design for the study. I was the researcher and lecturer (practitioner). As a lecturer I had the responsibility of coordinating the clinical radiographic program between the university and the clinical training centres. I also had the responsibility of ensuring that clinical training at the various centres complied with the university policies and professional standards. As a researcher, I was the main driver of the study, with learners and assessors acting as information providers and validation groups. Literature review included consistency in the way assessments are conducted with more emphasis being placed on the clinical training of diagnostic radiography learners. Assessment instruments described in most of the literature consulted were among others, rubrics and scoring guides. The instruments used in collecting research data were questionnaires, focus group interviews, workshops as well as observations. Constant analysis method was used to analyse the collected data. Active engagement of both the learners and assessors seemed to have contributed positively to the development of the criterion-based assessment form. There were however some challenges due to this active engagement. Some of the challenges related to focus group interviews, like poor attendance, conducting the interviews and ensuring that as a researcher, I stay focused on the interview and do not allow the participants to deviate from the main objective of the research. Based on the research findings and my experience as a researcher, active engagement of the stakeholders, resulted in positive attitude which is essential for the implementation phase.