Components of Clinical Competence Ratings of Physicians: An Empirical Approach

Abstract

This study investigated the underlying structure of ratings of clinical competence. The study sample was comprised of 609 physicians graduating from Jefferson Medical College between 1980 and 1983. The rating instrument consisted of 33 statements on clinical behavior in Likert-type format filled out by directors of medical education programs at postgraduate training institutions. The data were subjected to factor analysis. Three factors emerged involving "data gathering and processing skills," "interpersonal and attitudinal," and "socioeconomic" dimensions. Correlations of factor scores with independent measures of conceptually related and unrelated constructs supported the appropriateness of the assigned factor titles. It was concluded that ratings of clinical competence represent a multidimensional construct involving at least three dimensions.