Look and Listen: Developing Faculty Competency for Direct Observation

Abstract

Medical education has transitioned to a competency-based framework, making skill in high-quality assessment an imperative for faculty members. Direct observation is a powerful tool that is essential for appropriate assessment of several competencies including patient care, interpersonal and communication skills, and professionalism and enhances opportunities to provide high-yield feedback to promote growth in these domains. It is also required by the LCME and ACGME, yet remains underutilized for a number of reasons as shown by reports from learners indicating a low frequency of direct observation during training. In this session, we seek to enhance participant’s knowledge, attitude, and skills in direct observation toward the ultimate goal of improving learners’ clinical performance.

After attending this workshop, participants will be able to: 1. Describe the benefits of direct observation for assessment of learners. 2. Identify and apply best practices for direct observation to improve the skills of assessment and in providing high-quality feedback. 3. Promote enhanced self-reflection and engagement in learners when participating in direct observation.