Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS)
This workplace-based assessment is for you if you want structured teaching and feedback on a particular skill. This is probably the WBA you are already most familiar with as it is widely used by medics. The range of skills you can assess using a DOPS is endless. You can use it in any type of case – elective, scheduled, urgent, or emergent. It can even be useful if your procedure is unsuccessful. We’re all human and everything doesn’t work out every time. And that’s OK! The DOPS can show the process you took and help you identify areas of improvement, so you nail it next time!
Areas that the WBA Evaluates
The DOPS has 11 areas that the assessor will be evaluating on a 6-point scale (1 being below expectations and 6 above expectations) It will look at:
- Overall understanding
- Consent
- Pre-procedure prep
- Situation awareness
- Safety
- Technical ability
- Seeking help where appropriate
- Post procedure management
- Communication skills
- Consideration for patient
- Overall ability to perform whole procedure
Our form is developed for use with trainee ACPs therefore our benchmark for ‘Meets Expectations’ may be different than if you are currently a practising ACP. Be sure you and your assessor are clear on what the expectation is for your current level of practice.
Examples of cases where a DOPS might be useful
Ambulatory Paediatrics: Cannulation, lumbar puncture
Acute Paediatrics: Cannulation, chest drain removal
Acute Neonatal: Intubation, UVC line insertion