Utility of workplace-based assessments for postgraduate medical education at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi

Abstract

Background: This study evaluated the utility (acceptability, feasibility, cost, reliability, validity, and educational impact) of workplace-based assessments (WBAs) in the Aga Khan University Hospital Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) programs.

Methodology and Results: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey employing a 7-point Likert scale was administered to faculty and residents to evaluate their perspectives on WBAs. A total of 25 faculty and 24 residents responded to an online questionnaire that evaluated the acceptability, feasibility, and educational impact of WPBAs. The online survey completion rate was 100%, with up to 71% responding positively for acceptability and 79% positively for feasibility and educational impact. Most residents, over 60%, understood the objectives of the WPBAs and had adequate support if needed.

Conclusion: Internal consistency was strong, with minimal interrater variability, and the cost of administration was reasonable. However, predictive validity could not be definitively determined due to the small sample size. Future studies with larger numbers are needed to address this issue. Overall, the findings support the continued use of WBAs at AKUHN PGME programs as valuable tools for formative assessment and ensuring the competency of future medical consultants.