Assessment Blueprinting: A Tool for Anatomy Question Paper Construction

Background: Theory examinations are widely used to assess learning in medical education. However, a lack of Standardization of assessment leads to incomplete assessment. Blueprinting of question papers can be a crucial tool for the maintenance of validity and uniformity of assessment. Objective: The objective of the present study was to develop an assessment blueprint for constructing question papers for the undergraduate anatomy curriculum. Methodology: The blueprint of the question paper for the anatomy curriculum was developed with the help of relative weightage assigned to each part or section of anatomy. The weightage of each part/region of anatomy was calculated with the help of hours allotted to that part for teaching and training purposes divided by the total hours assigned by NMC for the anatomy curriculum. The blueprint of the question paper was validated by experts. Results: The weightage of each part/section was calculated. Maximum weightage was given to 25.48% of the abdomen and pelvis followed by Head and Neck, 23.54%. The minimum weightage of 3.22% was given to general anatomy. Conclusion: An assessment blueprint can be a guiding tool for constructing a valid question paper with appropriate coverage of each subsection/part of the curriculum. It will solve the issue of over or underrepresentation of content.