Using assessment to drive learning by linkage to foundation year 2 appointment

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Assessment in Training

Background:

• The foundational year of medical training is critical for developing core competencies.
• Assessment plays a pivotal role in evaluating trainee progress and informing educational strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the hypothesis that engagement and performance in assessments directly enhance the educational process.
• To utilize assessment outcomes from foundation year 1 to guide the allocation of foundation year 2 training positions.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 440 trainees participated in the study.
• Engagement and success in assessment during foundation year 1 were the primary metrics.
• A web-based system facilitated all communication and data management, ensuring an online-only approach.

Main Results:

• Assessment engagement and achievement in foundation year 1 were used as criteria for allocating foundation year 2 posts.
• The study successfully implemented an online system for managing trainee data and post allocation.

Conclusions:

• Performance in assessment is a significant driver of medical education.
• The study demonstrates the feasibility of using online assessment data for trainee post allocation in medical education.