Are workplace-based assessment methods (DOPS and Mini-CEX) effective in nursing students’ clinical skills? A single-blind randomized, parallel group, controlled trial

Evaluation of clinical skills is critically important for nursing students.
However, the quality of evaluation tools is poor.
Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS)
and Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX) on clinical skills of nursing students.
Methods: This study was conducted among 108 senior nursing students. Mini-CEX and DOPS
were utilized to evaluate clinical skills in the intervention group.
Results: The mean of students’ scores in all of the five procedures was significantly higher in
the intervention group compared to control group.. Students’ scores for the procedures
significantly raised through the first stage of DOPS and Mini-CEX to the third stage.
Conclusions: Utilization of DOPS and Mini-CEX for evaluation of clinical skills in nursing
students effectively enhance their learning ability. Implementing of such assessment
methods lead to promoting clinical skills of students which eventually help them to provide
high quality care for their patients.