Role of Self-Evaluation and Self-Assessment in Medical Student and Resident Education

Self-evaluation is defined as learners judging the quality of their work, based on evidence and certain criteria, for the purpose of improvement. Self-evaluation consists of reassessment, and ensuring follow through of all required duties. The goal of self-evaluation is adaptation of learning techniques to foster improvement, accomplished through self-monitoring. Self-evaluation involves reflecting on an action. Self-assessment is the process of introspection focused on assessing aspects that comprise one's identity. Self-assessment profoundly impacts resident and student performance through enhanced self-efficacy and self-motivation. The following analysis focuses on research and practice related to medical student and resident self-evaluation. Although self-assessment and self-evaluation are mainstays of the medical profession, there is evidence suggesting that physicians have a limited ability to self-assess and self-evaluate. Professional development and competency evaluations focus on external assessment. Improving techniques for self-assessment and self-evaluation will improve performance when assessed externally. Therefore, medical students and medical residents need to learn to self-assess and self-evaluate in order to perform well when assessed externally. The aspects of self-rating, self-audit and self-administered examination of knowledge or clinical performance need to be better studied and explored.