The
assessment of multiple samples of the learner’s performance in different
domains addresses the case specificity of a single observation.
The mini-CEXis used for looking at aspects of medical interviewing,
physical examination, professionalism, clinical judgement, counselling,
communication skills, organisation and efficiency, as well
as overall clinical competence. It is intended to identify students
or trainees whose performance is unsatisfactory as well as to provide
competent students with appropriate formative feedback. It is
not intended for use in high-stakes assessment or for comparison
between trainees. The number of observations necessary to get a
reliable picture of a trainee’s performance varies between four and
eight