Ticking the boxes: a survey of workplace-based assessments

Aims and method To survey the quality of workplace-based assessments (WPBAs) through retrospective analysis of completed WPBA forms against training targets derived from the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Portfolio Online. Results Almost a third of assessments analysed showed no divergence in assessment scores across the varied assessment domains and there was poor correlation between domain scores and the nature of comments provided by assessors. Of the assessments that suggested action points only half were considered to be sufficiently 'specific' and 'achievable' to be useful for trainees' learning. Clinical implications WPBA is not currently being utilised to its full potential as a formative assessment tool and more widespread audit is needed to establish whether this is a local or a national issue.