Incorporating multi-source feedback into a new clinically based revision course for the FRCS(Plast) exam
Elizabeth Chipp1, Karthik Srinivasan, Muhammad Adil Abbas Khan
1University Hospital North Staffordshire, UK. elizabeth_chipp@hotmail.com
Background:
Exit exams for completion of surgical training are demanding and have relatively low pass rates with many candidates requiring multiple attempts.
Aim:
To establish a new, clinically based exam preparation course, utilising multi-source feedback, to identify candidates at risk of failure and improve pass rates.
Methods:
We describe the process of establishing a new, unique, clinically based exam preparation course incorporating multi-source feedback from examiners, patients, nurses and other trainees. We present the course results as well as the exam results for each candidate and analyse the results of the multi-source feedback.
Results:
Nine candidates have so far successfully completed both the preparation course and the FRCS(Plast) exam. Success in the exam preparation course accurately predicts success in the FRCS(Plast) exam. Nursing staff and patients tend to give higher scores than examiners and trainees. The majority of marginal failures from the course went on to pass the exam, indicating that the course allows candidates to successfully address weaknesses identified on the course.
Conclusion:
A clinically based exam preparation course utilising multi-source feedback allows identification of candidates at risk of failing a surgical training exit exam and allows targeted training in order to maximise pass rates.
