This page contains important information about new methods of assessment for trainees in Dermatology.

These new methods are designed to measure objectively a trainee’s performance in a simple, fair and reproducible fashion. They will improve the documentation reviewed at the annual ‘RITA’. This will improve the validity of this process and hopefully speed it up as well.

Why are these changes happening?

The current system for evaluating a trainee’s progress does not give sufficient detailed objective structured information that can be reviewed at the annual RITA. The majority of training programmes may make up for this by their own informal verbal or brief written evaluation, but this lack of clear documentation is no longer acceptable in today’s medical climate. More detailed written, objective testaments to a trainee’s competence are needed (not simply evidence that they have turned up to clinics for the last 6 months). Chairs of the STCs can then rely on proper evidence when signing trainees off at the end of the programme. The new PMETB will require the implementation of assessment and the JCHMT feels these methods will satisfy the new board.

What methods have been chosen and why?

The three new methods of assessment which are to be introduced are the Mini Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini CEX), Directly Observed Procedural Skills (DOPS), and Multisource Feedback (MSF), previously called 360 degree assessments. Details of these are enclosed. These methods have been extensively piloted in medicine in the UK by the JCHMT, and the results of the pilot demonstrate good reproducibility. These results will be published in a medical journal soon. Pilots have also taken place in Dermatology in the UK and we have held 2 training days at the BAD to gain feedback from programme directors and STC chairs .

A fourth method (Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire) is currently being piloted by the JCHMT.

How will implementation of these new methods take place?

This letter and information pack is being sent to all Training Programme Directors, STC chairs and Dermatology trainees in the UK. Each region will need to decide how best to introduce the new methods in their programme. It is important that all educational supervisors and trainees are familiar with the new methods. It has been suggested that each region holds a training day for all concerned. The local Deanery may also provide help in training for educational supervisors who will be performing the assessments.

These assessments will inform the RITA panel at the annual review along with the current documentation already compiled in the training record (ie they will be summative as well as formative).

Guidance on implementation of the assessments, including an educational video, and all of the necessary documentation is available on the JCHMT website at: http://www.jchmt.org.uk/assessment/performanceAssessment.asp
DOPS and MSF were introduced in October 2005 and it is planned to introduce Mini-CEX assessments in October 2006.

What forms should be used?

Now that the JCHMT has produced its own documentation, including assessment forms, these should be used in preference to those previously produced by the BAD. To gain access to these documents on the JCHMT website please visit: http://www.jchmt.org.uk/assessment/performanceAssessmentDocs.asp