Evaluating a clinical psychiatry course using process and outcome measures.

An empirical approach was taken in evaluating training in experiences and outcomes in a second-year psychiatry clerkship. A biweekly activity summary provided a detailed record of actual training experiences, didactic and clinical, and is presented as a model for use in other program evaluations. Statistically significant preclerkship changes occurred on most attitude and all perceived skill measures. Scores on the examination of the National Board of Medical Examiners were well above average. Satisfaction measures were favorable and correlated significantly with the overall attitudinal and perceived skill changes. Comparisons among outcome measures showed that attitudinal and skill dimensions correlated with each other and with satisfaction ratings, but they did not correlate with scores on an objective examination.