Integrating Direct Observation of Procedural Skills as a workplace‐based assessment tool for residents working in an intensive care unit

<b>What the study adds.</b> This study demonstrates that Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS) can be effectively implemented as a formative workplace-based assessment (WBPA) tool for residents (registrars) performing ultrasound-guided central venous catheter insertion in an intensive care unit. Use of DOPS with structured feedback using the Pendleton model led to significant improvement in procedural competence and confidence. Both residents and faculty members perceived DOPS as an objective, valid and engaging method of assessment.<b>Implications of the findings.</b> The study indicates that introducing DOPS as a WPBA tool is an effective and engaging way to encourage residents to adopt correct practices of procedural skills, as reflected by the largely positive responses from both the residents and faculty members. The implications of this project will be the educational and quality assurance impact of DOPS implementation in resident training.