Use of the blue MACS: Acceptance by clinical instructors and self-reports of adherence

Background and Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical instructors' (CIs') acceptance of and self-reported adherence to instructio ns for use of The Blue MACS (5th edition) for evaluating the clinical perfo rmance of physical therapist students. Subjects and Methods. One hundred tw enty-four usable survey instruments were returned by CIs. Results. Twenty-t wo items from The Blue MACS were collapsed into a score representing accept ance, and 10 items were collapsed into a score representing reported adhere nce to instructions. Ninety-six percent of the CIs surveyed expressed a pos itive opinion of the instrument. Ninety-eight percent of the CIs reported a t least moderately consistent adherence to instructions. Conclusion and Dis cussion. The instrument was regarded as a useful tool, and most CIs reporte d using the instrument according to the instructions. A positive opinion of the clinical performance assessment instrument is desirable to facilitate its use by CIs. Consistent use by different CIs is desirable to promote acc urate communication among students, CIs, and the educational institution.