Summary:
The development and application of an inventory to assess the adequacy of medical textbooks are described. The ten-item tool was derived from empirical data and principles of instructional theory. The inventory was used by a large number of teachers associated with five different clinical courses to assess a particular textbook pertaining to their specialty.
The analysis of the responses showed the reliability of the inventory. Factor analysis revealed three dimensions compatible with the internal consistency of the tool. It was also found that the inventory significantly differentiates the textbooks assessed on the basis of the adequacy dimensions identified. The general information obtained contributed data that was incorporated to a report on the analysis and evaluation of medical textbooks.