Using a competency-based program to assess interviewing skills of pediatric house staff.

A program has been initiated to assess objectively the interviewing skills of pediatric house staff. Each entering house staff member interviews and is evaluated by a nonphysician mother who presents the medical history of her child. Remedial instruction is provided for all who do not perform in accordance with established minimum criteria. As a result of this competency-based program, all house staff members are now known to have attained at least a minimum level of competence in interviewing technique.