Development of an analytical rubric and estimation of its validity and inter-rater reliability for assessing reflective narrations

Abstract

Background Reflective practice is an integral component of continuing professional development. However, assessing the written narration is complex and difficult. Rubric is a potential tool that can overcome this difficulty. We aimed to develop, validate and estimate inter-rater reliability of an analytical rubric used for assessing reflective narration. Methods A triangulation type of mixed-methods design (Qual-Nominal group Technique, Quan-Analytical follow-up design and Qual-Open-ended response) was adopted to achieve the study objectives. Faculties involved in the active surveillance of Covid-19 participated in the process of development of assessment rubrics. The reflective narrations of medical interns were assessed by postgraduates with and without the rubric. Steps recommended by the assessment committee of the University of Hawaii were followed to develop rubrics. Content validity index and inter-rater reliability measures were estimated. Results An analytical rubric with eight criteria and four mastery levels yielding a maximum score of 40 was developed. There was a significant difference in the mean score obtained by interns when rated without and with the developed rubrics. Kendall’s coefficient of concordance, which is a measure of concordance of scorers among more than two scorers, was higher after using rubrics. Conclusion Our attempt to develop an analytical rubric for assessing reflective narration was successful in terms of the high content validity index and better inter-rater concordance. The same process can be replicated to develop any such analytical rubric in the future.