S. Manzar  ( Al-Khusaiby Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Royal Hospital, Muscat,Sultanate of Oman. )
A. K. Nair  ( Al-Khusaiby Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Royal Hospital, Muscat,Sultanate of Oman. )
M. G. Pai  ( Al-Khusaiby Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Royal Hospital, Muscat,Sultanate of Oman. )
S. M. Al-Khusaiby  ( Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Royal Hospital, Muscat,Sultanate of Oman. )

The neonatal resuscitation courses are conducted periodically at different regional areas.1 The question format used in the evaluation however is very didactic and thus liable to subjectivity. To make it more objective, we developed a new pool of objective questions and piloted it on our residents in the nursery and nurses in the delivery suite. The new questions were made more objective based on the recent recommendations.2-6 However, we used all types of question formats. A total of 25 question items were made.To present all 25 questions in this script will be difficult thus only few examples are chosen to highlight on the objectivity of the new format.

 

Example of single best answer question

 

Cardiac compression

 

a)      area is below the xyphoid sternum
b)      area is above the nipple line
c)      is done at 1:2 with bag and mask ventilation
d)      palm could be used for compression
e)      thumbs could be used for compression

 

Example of negative statement question:

 

All are appropriate actions for tactile stimulation
EXCEPT

 

a)      slap the sole
b)       flick the sole
c)       rub the back
d)       slap the back

 

Example of matching question:

 

Match the medications with the effect

 

1.       Naloxone
2.       Epinephrine
a)       Increases vascular volume
b)       Makes the baby cry
c)       Is a narcotic antagonist
d)       Increases heart rate

 

The new questions were successfully piloted on the volunteered residents and the nurses.

 

We found the new format to be more feasible and practical than the old one. We suggest use of this strategy in the assessment of other courses.

1. Manzar S. Neonatal Resuscitation: a report from Oman. Trop Doc 2000;30:164-5.

2. Manzar S. Ten tips for writing fair multiple choice question. Saudi Med J 2001; 22:283-4.

3. Naqvi Z, Ahmed R. Towards improved assessment -1. Why and how to assess? J Pak Med Assoc 2003;53:263-7.

4. Naqvi Z, Ahmed R. Towards improved assessment -2. General principles for writing test items. J Pak Med Assoc 2003;53:267-8

5. Naqvi Z, Ahmed R. Towards improved assessment -3. Multiple choice questions (MCQs): selecting the appropriate type. J Pak Med Assoc 2003;53:269-70.

6. Naqvi Z, Zuberi RW, Ahmed R. Towards improved assessment - 4. General
principles for MCQs construction: (Useful Tips…..) J Pak Med Assoc 2003;53:271-5.