Evaluating a direct observation exercise in a psychiatric clerkship.

The introduction of a direct observation exercise in the psychiatric clerkship at McMaster University is presented. Preliminary investigation of the reliability, construct validity, educational effects and feasibility of the exercise is discussed. The direct observation exercise is found to measure improvement in skills, enhance the recording of student performance, be valued by the students and feasible in the clinical setting. Directions for future evaluation research with direct observation exercises are outlined.