Repeated use of computerized case simulations in a test format does not present a security risk

BACKGROUND: Computer-based examination formats permit evaluation of patient cave strategies in a realistic context. Because such examinations are comp lex and difficult to develop, the same case simulations must often be used on multiple occasions. METHODS: TO determine ii repeated, serial administration of computerized ca se simulations influences performance, 8 simulations were administered over 2 consecutive years to 252 third-year medical students at the conclusion o f 16 surgical clerkship rotations (8 per year). One-way analyses of varianc e were used to compare scores across rotations during the year and to compa re scores between 2 consecutive academic years. Scheffe pairwise comparison s were used to identify trends within each academic year. RESULTS: The data demonstrate an increase in scores across rotations during the year. There is, however, no difference between scores in successive ye ars. CONCLUSIONS: The data are consistent with an increase in knowledge during t he course of the year, without evidence that test information transfer infl uences the performance of successive classes. (C) 1999 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.