Consensus minimum standards for use in a trainer's report for summative assessment in general practice

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• General Practice Training
• Professional Assessment

Background:

• Summative assessment for general practitioner registrars, including trainer reports, was set to be introduced in September 1996.
• Establishing clear standards and guidance for obtaining evidence for trainer assessments is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish consensus minimum standards for 31 items within a trainer's report.
• To determine consensus-based, appropriate assessment methods for trainers to evaluate registrars.

Main Methods:

• A consensus conference in March 1995 involved 30 general practitioners (27 experienced trainers).
• A draft document outlining standards was circulated for expert consultation, achieving an 82% response rate.

Main Results:

• Consensus minimum standards were developed for 31 report items.
• Direct observation, tutorial discussion, and standard-specific methods were identified as suitable assessment approaches.
• Trainers, practice partners, hospital consultants, and primary health care team members were identified as acceptable evidence sources.

Conclusions:

• Consensus standards for general practitioner trainer reports have been established through a conference and consultation process.
• Acceptable assessment methods and personnel for providing evidence for registrar assessment have been suggested.