2. Summative Assessment


	Joint Committee on Postgraduate Training for General Practice statement ‘From 4 September 1996, all doctors undertaking general practice vocational training will be expected to pass a modular test of competence, before completing the training programme, called professionally led summative assessment. The Joint Committee and Regional Advisers are committed to summative assessment as an objective test of GP registrars’ skills, ensuring that those completing training achieve a minimum level of competence to practise independently as General Practitioners in the NHS. Since this statement, the emphasis has changed from being expected to pass Summative Assessment to being legally required to do so (from January 30th 1998) before being able to practise as a General Practitioner in the NHS. Why is summative assessment necessary? to assess the competence of those joining the profession; to reassure the public and protect patients from doctors whose performance is not adequate; to reassure individual doctors that they have achieved an agreed minimum standard of competence; to identify those who are not ready for independent practice and who require further training or need to reconsider their career options. What are the components of summative assessment? MCQ (UK Regional Advisers (UKRA) Assessment or MRCGP MCQ pass); Assessment of Consultation Skills (using UKRA video assessment - MRCGP video is not currently a substitute); Written Submission of Practical Work; Trainer’s Report. Important details no registrar (trainee) will have to pay to sit Summative Assessment; the JCPTGP will normally recommend to the Secretary of State that extra training is provided for any doctor who fails to meet the standard of national summative assessment. At the time of writing, Summative Assessment is not a legal requirement although it is said to be professionally expected. It is likely that it will become legally required from January 1998. Exemptions to Summative Assessment no registrar (trainee) who has satisfactorily completed training by 4th September 1996 will be expected to sit Summative Assessment; no registrar (trainee) who has satisfactorily completed six months of the general practice element of training before 1st January 1996, or the equivalent period part time will be expected to sit summative assessment; any registrar (trainee) who would have satisfactorily completed training by 4th September 1996 but can provide documentary evidence that they were prevented from doing so by exceptional personal circumstances, such as sickness or maternity leave will not be expected to sit Summative Assessment; similarly any registrar (trainee) who would have satisfactorily completed six months of the general practice element of training before 1st January 1996 but can provide documentary evidence that they were prevented from doing so by exceptional personal circumstances, such as sickness or maternity leave will not be expected to sit Summative Assessment. Further information on Summative Assessment is available from your local Regional Director of Postgraduate General Practice Education or from the secretariat of the Joint Committee for Postgraduate Training in General Practice. Much of the information here is from the guidance booklet from the Conference of Postgraduate Advisers in General Practice on Summative Assessment (2nd Issue - October 1996). Copies of the guidance booklet from the Conference of Postgraduate Advisers in General Practice can be obtained from: Margareth Attwood, National Office for Summative Assessment, NHS Executive, South and West Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education Highcroft, Romsey Road, Winchester, Hampshire SO22 5DH Telephone 01962 863511 ext. 390