Tracking the longitudinal stability of medical students' perceptions using the AAMC graduation questionnaire and serial evaluation surveys.

BACKGROUND This study examined the longitudinal stability of students' perceptions by comparing ratings on similar survey items in three sequential evaluations: end-of-clerkship (EOC), AAMC graduation questionnaire (GQ), and a postgraduate survey (PGY1). METHOD For the classes of 2000 and 2001, ratings were compiled from EOC evaluations and comparable items from the GQ. For both cohorts, selected GQ items were included in the PGY1 survey and these ratings were compiled. Matched responses from EOC versus GQ and PGY1 versus GQ were compared. RESULTS Proportions of "excellent" ratings were consistent across EOC and GQ surveys for all clerkships. Comparison of GQ and PGY1 ratings revealed significant differences in only seven of 31 items. CONCLUSION Student perceptions as measured by GQ ratings are notably consistent across the clinical years and internship. This longitudinal stability supports the usefulness of the GQ in programmatic assessment and reinforces its value as a measure of student satisfaction.