Despite the technological advances, medical history, physical examination and patient-doctor relationship continue being the most important diagnostic and therapeutic tools. However, deficiencies in clinical skills among students have been related. Clinical competence is context-dependent; it is more than a demonstration of isolated behaviors, but an integrative ability to think, feel and act in real practice. Tools for direct observation are very helpful in evaluating what students are and are not able to do during clinical encounters. So, structured assessment seems to be a valuable instrument both for evaluators and students. It can be used as an observational guide and as a tool for feedback, and enhances the learning opportunities in clinical settings. To effectively apply this method, faculty should be provided with effective training to increase fairness and reliability of the assessment strategy.
Evaluation; Clinical Competence; Students, Medical; Education, Medical