Paediatrics Part 1 (Basics of Paediatrics I)

Task description: study the specified learning materials and prepare answers to the self-assessment questions on the class topic.

Requirements: to be completed individually before the relevant class, using the sources specified in the course.

Assessment criteria: accuracy of knowledge, explanation of key concepts, and justification of the principles of diagnosis, treatment and prevention during the discussion of clinical cases in the practical session.

Type and weighting of assessment: formative assessment – during the practical class, the lecturer and students provide feedback on the clinical reasoning process and the rationale behind the decisions made. Not graded; this does not affect the final course grade (weighting – 0 %).

Relevant learning outcomes: Z1 – Z6, depending on the topic of the session.

The final grade for the study course is combined to form the cumulative course grade. The grade reflects the student’s knowledge of the most common acute and chronic childhood illnesses, their clinical and practical skills, their ability to analyse clinical situations and justify diagnostic and therapeutic decisions, as well as their professional and ethical conduct and communication skills.

Requirements for completion: To obtain the final course grade, the student must complete the compulsory independent assignments and pass the final written and oral tests in accordance with the requirements set out for the course.

Assessment criteria: Assessment includes the accuracy of student’s knowledge and understanding of childhood diseases, the interpretation of clinical data, the logic of clinical reasoning, the rationale behind diagnostic and therapeutic decisions, the demonstration of practical skills, adherence to patient safety principles, professional ethics and communication. The cumulative final course grade is calculated by aggregating the summative grades obtained and the results of the final tests in accordance with the assessment procedure specified for the course.

Type and weighting of assessment: Summative assessment on a 10-point scale. The weighting of the final test in the overall course grade is determined in accordance with the course’s assessment procedures.

Extracurricular activities: Successful participation in extracurricular activities in the field of paediatrics, for example, the ‘School of Excellence in Paediatrics’, may be taken into account in raising the final grade by one grade, provided that this option and the conditions for its application are specified in the course assessment procedure.

Task description: the student answers, in writing, theoretical questions on the course material studied independently and self-assessment questions on the topics covered in the classes, orally – to questions based on clinical cases, justifying diagnostic and therapeutic decisions; the student presents a structured oral analysis of a clinical case and justifies the differential diagnosis, as well as the plan for investigation, treatment and follow-up care.

Conditions of assessment: the written test is taken individually at a specified time; the oral test is conducted individually following a standardised structure for case analysis.

Assessment criteria:

• Clinical logic and justification of choices – assesses the ability to analyse the patient’s situation systematically, select an appropriate algorithm for action, and logically justify one’s choices;
• Accuracy of knowledge and data interpretation, and prioritisation of actions – assesses how accurately the answers reflect current guidelines, terminology, aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and prevention;
• Quality of reasoning and presentation of answers, including language – assesses how clearly the reasoning is formulated, whether it is supported by clinical logic or evidence, and whether it is superficial or oversimplified; also assesses the correct use of medical terminology;
• Signs of excellence – assesses whether knowledge, skills and competence exceed the requirements for completing the study course and demonstrate the ability to carry out independent additional research into the problem (max. 1 point).

Assessment method and weighting: a summative assessment on a 10-point scale, evaluating the entire set of answers according to four criteria:

• clinical logic and the rationale behind choices — up to 4 points;
• accuracy of knowledge — up to 3 points;
• quality of reasoning and presentation of the answer — up to 2 points;
• signs of excellence — up to 1 point.

Maximum total grade: 10 points. Pass grade — at least 4 points. The written test accounts for 50% of the final grade.

Relevant learning outcomes: depending on the content of the test and the topic of the clinical case.

Task description: takes a medical history, carries out a physical examination and assesses the child’s condition either in the presence of the patient or based on a clinical case description, including the degree of dehydration/hypovolaemia or the level of risk in the event of a fever, and selects the appropriate course of action.

Conditions of completion: carried out individually under the supervision of a lecturer in a clinical setting or in a simulation, following a standardised task description.

Assessment criteria: recognition of clinical signs, accuracy in assessing the severity of the condition, evaluation of the course of action, communication and respect for the child’s rights.

Type and weighting of assessment: formative assessment is used in practical classes – the lecturer and students provide feedback on the clinical reasoning process, sequence of actions and justification of decisions. Not graded; weighting in the final assessment – 0 %.

The analysis of clinical cases is additionally assessed summatively in a written and oral test according to specified criteria: clinical logic and the justification of choices, accuracy of knowledge, quality of argumentation and signs of excellence. The grade is included in the final grade of the written and oral tests on a 10-point scale; the written test accounts for 50 per cent of the course final grade.

Task description: demonstrates professional conduct, respectful communication, respect for children’s rights and the ability to act on feedback received.

Assessment conditions: assessed during classes according to criteria previously explained to students, with feedback provided.

Assessment criteria: responsible fulfilment of duties, respect, honesty, empathy, confidentiality, appropriate communication and responsiveness to feedback.

Type and weighting of assessment: formative assessment, observing the student’s behaviour/conduct, for example, adherence to confidentiality, respectful communication and the use of feedback provided during classes, whilst giving individual feedback in accordance with the specified criteria. Assessment is expressed individually as ‘meets requirements’ or ‘needs improvement’, specifying particular areas for improvement. Not graded; weighting in the final course assessment – 0 %. If improvements are required, the necessary actions are agreed upon and reassessed in subsequent classes.