The MRCGP -an update Dr Rod MacRorie GP, Cape Hill Medical Centre, Smethwick Foundation 2 GP Supervisor Training Programme Director, Sandwell VTS Developing people for health and healthcare

MRCGP MRCGP is an integrated assessment system, success in which confirms that a doctor has satisfactorily completed specialty training for general practice, and is competent to enter independent practice in the United Kingdom without further supervision. Satisfactory completion of the MRCGP is a pre-requisite for the issue of a certificate of completion of training (CCT) and full Membership of the RCGP. MRCGP complies with General Medical Council (GMC) standards on validity, reliability, feasibility, cost effectiveness, opportunities for feedback and impact on learning. It also follows best practice in assessment, quality assurance and standard-setting. Developing people for health and healthcare

MRCGP components MRCGP comprises three separate components: 1.an Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) 2.a Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA) 3.Workplace Based Assessment (WPBA). Each tests different competences using validated assessment methods Together cover the spectrum of knowledge, skills, behaviours and attitudes defined by the GP Specialty Training curriculum. Developing people for health and healthcare

Applied Knowledge Test The AKT: – Is a summative assessment of the knowledge base that underpins independent UK general practice. – Tests the application of this knowledge – Tests the critical interpretation of information – Is mapped to the 2012 Curriculum Each question is intended to explore a topic of which an ordinary GP in the UK could be expected to have a working knowledge. Developing people for health and healthcare

Applied Knowledge Test A 3-hour, 200-item multiple-choice test – No multiple true/false questions – No negative marking Delivered on a computer terminal at an invigilated test centre Offered three times a year: Jan/Feb, April/May, Oct/Nov. Developing people for health and healthcare

Applied Knowledge Test Pass mark = 139/199 (70%) Overall pass rate = 71.6% ST3 first time takers pass rate = 79.4% ST2 first time takers pass rate = 79.3% (This ratio varies in different diets of the AKT taken at different times throughout the training year) Cumulative pass rate for all those who take AKT is approximately 98% after the maximum number of attempts. Developing people for health and healthcare

Some areas that were not answered well (AKT October 2012) Child health - normal range of developmental milestones, immunisation schedules Antenatal screening programmes Controlled drug regulations Osteoporosis – diagnosis Diabetes – interpreting diagnostic test results Dermatology – safe prescribing Developing people for health and healthcare

Common Reference Material BNF GMC Good Medical Practice RCGP Essential Knowledge Updates NICE guidelines, SIGN guidelines BMJ Review articles & original papers BJGP Cochrane GP Curriculum 2012, Content guide for the AKT Developing people for health and healthcare

Clinical Skills Assessment a summative assessment of a doctor’s ability to integrate and apply clinical, professional, communication and practical skills appropriate for general practice. simulating a typical NHS surgery clinic assesses a range of scenarios from general practice relevant to most parts of the curriculum which can also target particular aspects of clinical care and expertise. Developing people for health and healthcare

Workplace Based Assessment WPBA evaluates the trainee’s progress in areas of professional practice best tested in the workplace. provides an opportunity for gathering evidence and reflecting on performance evaluates aspects of professional behaviour that are difficult to assess in traditional examinations provides constructive feedback on areas of strength and developmental needs, identifying trainees who may be in difficulty drives learning in important areas of competence determines fitness to progress to the next stage of training WPBA assessments take place throughout GP Specialty Training. Developing people for health and healthcare

VTS sessions Thursday afternoons 2-5pm 4 weeks free Easter, August, Christmas 3 x 8 week terms large group (45, ST1-3), Sandwell MEC Others ‘cluster groups’ (3 x 15, ST1-3), various locations Developing people for health and healthcare

VTS sessions Trainee led with GP and specialist input Presentations, case studies, quizzes, role play, demonstrations, interviews, debates, e- learning, visits, audits, discussions, etc, etc. Curriculum driven Please come and join in! Developing people for health and healthcare