Introducing performance-based assessment of family physicians

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Primary Care Training
• Healthcare Professional Assessment

Background:

• Vocational training in family medicine requires robust summative assessment.
• Trainees in Slovenia practice independently, necessitating a performance-focused evaluation.
• Existing assessment methods may not fully capture practical competency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and structure of a new final summative assessment for family medicine trainees in Slovenia.
• To outline the multi-faceted approach designed to evaluate practical performance.
• To provide initial insights into the implementation of this novel assessment.

Main Methods:

• A literature search and consultations with experts, tutors, and trainees informed the assessment design.
• The assessment comprises three key components: a trainee report, a practice visit, and a final examination.
• The final examination includes a written test (MCQ), Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) stations, and an oral defense of practice cases.

Main Results:

• The new assessment integrates practice data, direct observation, and diverse examination formats.
• Initial feedback from practitioners and trainees suggests a favorable reception.
• The assessment aims to evaluate problem-solving skills and overall clinical performance.

Conclusions:

• The newly implemented assessment in Slovenia offers a comprehensive evaluation of family medicine trainees' practical skills.
• While initial experiences are positive, further evaluation is required to fully assess its effectiveness and impact.
• This performance-based model may serve as a benchmark for other vocational training programs.