From Practice to Proficiency: Evaluation of a Novel Workplace-Based Assessment (WBA) in a Postgraduate Chemical Pathology Residency Program in Pakistan

Introduction A workplace-based assessment (WBA) model was implemented in the postgraduate (PG) residency program of Chemical Pathology at the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University (AKU). PGs were assessed using direct observation of practical skills (DOPS), evaluation of clinical events (ECE) and case-based discussion (CBD) on a virtual learning environment (VLE) platform. Objectives To evaluate WBA frequency, case mix, feedback, and satisfaction levels of faculty and PGs of Chemical Pathology at AKU. Methods Data from January 2019 to June 2023 was assessed. Tool utilization and case mix frequencies were calculated. PG and faculty satisfaction levels, as well as feedback and discussion time, were averaged. A thematic analysis was conducted on descriptive comments. Results Out of 911 WBAs attempted, 79.1% (n=730) were CBDs, 10.8% (n=98) were DOPS, and 9.1% (n=83) were ECEs, showing a well-distributed case mix. Average satisfaction levels for CBD, ECE, and DOPS among both PGs and faculty were 8.38, 8.48, and 8.59, and 8.20, 8.36, and 8.46, respectively. Faculty feedback averaged 8.40, 8.65, and 7.85 minutes for CBD, ECE, and DOPS, respectively. Discussion times averaged 9.37, 9.52, and 13.36 minutes for CBD, ECE, and DOPS, respectively. Suggestions for development were noted in 20.82% (n=225) of CBDs, 21.69% (n=18) of ECEs, and 16.32% (n=16) of DOPS. Positives were documented in 40% (n=292) of CBDs, 28.92% (n=24) of ECEs, and 7.14% (n=7) of DOPS. Conclusion This study evaluated a web-based WBA model in chemical pathology training, suggesting its applicability in diverse pathology specialties and regional training programs.