Designing, Choosing, and Using Assessment Tools in Healthcare Simulation Research

Studies in healthcare simulation research are often based on performance scores. These scores can be used to compare provider groups, establish the efficacy of competing educational programs, and identify clinical skills deficiencies. The following chapter provides an overview of the development and use of assessment tools. Researchers need to select tools that align with the purpose of the assessment. Where human evaluators are employed, they should have sufficient expertise in the domains being assessed. Training is also necessary to ensure that evaluators are using the rubrics as intended. In the future, technology may be helpful for gathering accurate data from, and providing standardized scoring for, various simulation-based assessments. Healthcare simulation researchers who employ assessment tools need to evaluate whether the scores that are produced represent reliable and valid estimates of ability. Without some assurance of the psychometric rigor of the scores, their use in any research study could be questioned.