Assessment Tools
A new version of the foundation curriculum was introduced for August 2012. The Curriculum has been rationalised, with new emphasis on some areas such as long-term conditions and there are significant changes to the assessment tools in particular that you need to know about. The following 30-minute presentation (with sound) can be accessed for more information.
Curriculum update presentation
From August 2012 the Foundation Programme will assess F1 and F2 doctors through the use of Supervised Learning Events (SLEs) and through engagement with the e-portfolio, the Team Assessment of Behaviour (TAB) and a series of end of placement and end of year reports completed by clinical and educational supervisors:
> SLEs, Supervised Learning Events, are designed to identify strengths and areas for development, provide immediate feedback on performance and demonstrate engagement in the educational process. The following tools will be used for SLEs:
- Mini-clinical evaluation exercise (mini-CEX), an observed clinical encounter between a patient and a trainee
- Direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS), provides a checklist to give feedback to a trainee observed performing a practical procedure, e.g. suturing
- Case based discussion (CBD), a structured discussion of a clinical case managed by the trainee through which feedback is given on clinical reasoning
- Developing the clinical teacher, is designed to aid development of teaching skills and/or making a presentation.
NB SLEs should not be completed by medical students
> TAB, Team Assessment of Behaviour, is used to assess professional behaviour of a trainee by a variety of healthcare colleagues.
> Core Procedures, is designed to ensure all practical skills required by the Curriculum have been achieved.
> E-portfolio, engagement in the e-portfolio will be used to assess if a trainee has achieved the required Curriculum outcomes.
While these are national tools there are regional variations in their use. In the Peninsula Foundation School you are required to complete the following.
| Supervised Learning Events (SLEs) | Minimum number per year: F1 | Minimum number per year: F2 |
| CbD Case based discussion | 6 (2 in each 4 month post) | 6 (2 in each 4 month post) |
| Mini-CEX Mini-clinical evaluation exercise | 6 (2 in each 4 month post) | 6 (2 in each 4 month post) |
| DOPS Direct observation of procedural skills | 6 (2 in each 4 month post) | 6 (2 in each 4 month post) |
| Developing the clinical teacher | 1 | 1 |
| Assessments | ||
| TAB Team assessment of behaviour | 2 | 2 |
| Core Procedures (formerly known as Procedural logbook) | Complete | - |
Trainees are encouraged to complete the relevant number of SLEs and assessments per 4 month post.
Who can assess Foundation Doctors? Please see attached National guidance (updated July 2012).
TAB dates for 2012/13 are:
Round 1
Opens: Monday 17th September 2012
Assessor nomination and self-TAB deadline: Friday 8th October 2012
Assessor response deadline: Friday 26th October 2012
Round 2
Opens: Monday 21st January 2013
Assessor nomination and self-TAB deadline: Friday 8th February 2013
Assessor response deadline: Friday 1st March 2013
There will be two additional rounds run of TAB and PAT for any trainees who miss the above or who get unsatisfactory results in either of the two above rounds.
TAB guide 2012/13
A regular audit to validate submitted assessments is conducted by the Peninsula Foundation School at regular intervals throughout the year and we are grateful for assessor help with this process.
The link for all educational supervisors, trainees and administrative users to access e-Portfolio version 2 is www.nhseportfolios.org/.
Please also see SIGN OFF section.
More detailed information on assessment tools is available on the UK Foundation Programme website.