Orthopaedic undergraduate assessment

The multiple choice, viva voce and consultant marks from 327 students in the Orthopaedic Undergraduate Course at the University of Bristol were compared. The assessments were based on 84 questions in the multiple choice questionnaire, 30 questions in the viva voce and four questions in the consultant assessment. The consultant assessment correlated least well with the other two marks. It is suggested that in short courses consultant grades be supplemented by objective examinations.