Case write-ups and reflective journal writing in early clinical years – Have these been “worthy” educational tools?

Introduction: Case write-ups and reflective journals have been used as assessment tools of learning in clinical rotations in Yong Loo Lin school of medicine. It is timely to review the current process of conducting these assessments and effectiveness as an assessment tool. This study aims to understand faculty outlook towards these assessments. Methods: This is a study that involves a survey-based questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions, sent out to faculty marking the students’ assignments. This survey was anonymous & voluntary and was disseminated by administrative assistants. The purpose of this survey was to collect the feedback from faculty about current process with intentions of improving the effectiveness of these assessments. The suggestions for improvement were incorporated in the survey and faculty was invited to comment over these suggestions and provide further suggestions if any. Results: Fifty-two responses from faculty were collected and analysed. Ninety percent of respondents thinks that this is an effective tool to assess and promote self-directed learning. Qualitative feedback was received about need of improvement in a) alignment of the submissions timings with rotation postings b) marking rubric to incorporate factors such as case complexity and weightage to different components of case write-ups, c) timely feedback to students, and d) follow up on action plans. Conclusion: Case write-ups and reflective journals are still effective learning and assessment tools. They promote self-directed learning and clinical analysis in students. Feedback and action plans are the backbone of these assessments and optimal utilisation of these is recommended. Keywords: Undergraduate Medical Education, Case Write-ups, Medical Assessments, Reflective Journals