A qualitative study of the impact on learning of the mini clinical evaluation exercise in postgraduate training

The study was designed to illustrate how residents perceive the Mini Clinical Examination Exercise as an assessment tool and its influence on their approach to learning and studying. A phenomenographic approach was applied. All 16 residents from a cardiology training program in Buenos Aires were included. Results show that in all cases residents demonstrate an intrinsic interest in the subject matter. They show self-regulating strategies when required to select, relate and make critical appraisals of their own. They consistently demonstrate an aim to build a relationship between individual experience and their chosen topic. The residents feel comfortable because it melds with their routine. Residents find the Mini Clinical Examination Exercise to be a useful assessment tool with a favorable influence towards a constructive approach to study and learning.