Clinical Skills Verification Exam
Clinical Skills Verification Exam
At the midway of the first rotation Interns are required to complete a Clinical Skills
Verification Examination. Provided early in the training year, this exam provides
a measuring stick for the Interns’ basic skills in performing a diagnostic interview,
presenting findings in an organized and meaningful way, and exhibiting fundamental
case conceptualization. More than an exam, however, this exercise is an opportunity
for Interns to receive instruction and feedback regarding these fundamental skills
and if notable deficiencies are observed then a remediation plan can be devised. Each
intern presents a 45-50 minute video of a new patient assessment to the directors
of the Diagnostic and Treatment Seminar and the Psychotherapy Process Seminar. The
Overall Supervisor is invited to attend as well to assist in any planning in regard
to the development of diagnostic interviewing skills. Following the viewing of the
video, the Intern is expected to provide:
- A concise and organized summary of the key information pertinent to the case.
- An assessment plan that included key additional data needed to form an effective “theory
of the patient” - that may involve a proposal for psychological testing that could
provide valuable information in this process.
- A “theory of the patient” that formed both a descriptive and etiological understanding
of the patient’s key problems and relevant strengths. This formulation should include
relevant constructs pertaining to the social/cultural context of the key issues at
hand and the biopsychosocial contributing factors.
- A treatment plan that addresses the key biopsychosocial contributing factors and that
addresses the life goals that form the basis for an appropriate recovery/wellness
plan.
The AADPRT Clinical Skills Verification Examination Form CSV.3 is used to rate the
assessment performance along with the Intern Clinical Skill Verification Evaluation
Supplement – evaluates in greater detail evidence of conceptualization skills.