The self-assessment of confidence, by one vocational trainee

A list of important topics in general practice was constructed and a trainee was asked to indicate his confidence about each topic on a one to five scale. Repeated use showed different confidence ratings by the same trainee, and an attempt was made to correlate factual knowledge by using a multiple choice questionnaire.Despite important limitations, which are described, this method may be useful in identifying suitable topics for teaching during the trainee year.