Trainers' evaluations of the West Midlands formative assessment package for GP registrar assessment

Abstract

In theWest Midlands, a highly structured formative assessment package for general practitioner trainers to assess their registrars has been in use for some years. This package was evaluated by the authors with a questionnaire to all 304 trainers in theWest Midlands. Of these, 206 replied (68% response rate). The trainers thought that the format of the package was about right, the instructions were easy to follow, and the assessment topics helpful and appropriate. Their preferences for assessment tools were limited to the Manchester Rating Scales and the Wolverhampton Grid (a West Midlands needs assessment tool). The purposes and relationships between formative and summative assessment in general practice are discussed. Suggestions for assessment of the GP registrar using standardized patients are considered, with examples from the literature. Peer assessment is another new way to provide further information. Finally, the authors suggest ways to improve the next version of the package.