Local trainee assessment: insights from a UK national survey of radiology training programme directors

Clinical radiology training in the UK follows the competency-based model of medical education, which holds trainee assessment as a core component in providing evidence of progress and the capability to work independently upon completion. The training curriculum published by the Royal College of Radiologists defines a set of competencies and a framework of assessment for these purposes. Nonetheless, it is postulated that many training schemes also employ additional locally-administered assessments of their trainees, which are not described in the training curriculum. This study aims to explore the extent, purpose, and validation of such assessments within UK radiology training programmes.

An electronic survey was distributed to clinical radiology training programme directors and heads of schools, using multiple choice and free-text questions. Responses were analysed qualitatively.

29 responses were received, representing 17 out of 20 Local Training and Education Boards. 88% reported employing local assessments, with 53 individual assessments described overall. These primarily involved trainees in the initial years of training (ST1-2), aimed at authorising independent reporting (68%). The majority were found to be summative in nature, with performance affecting progression, on-call eligibility and often requiring resitting. Formal evaluation or audit processes for these assessments were absent in 40% of training schemes.

Despite their prevalence and perceived value amongst trainers, the absence of robust evaluation and published evidence raises questions as to their validity and fairness. The study highlights the need for further investigation and guidance for their implementation locally in radiology training schemes.