Workplace-based assessment; learner and assessor perspectives

Figures & data

Table 1 Positive themes: assessors

• They [candidates] feel part of the whole team. Now I know who they are and wave to them in the corridors. I can’t remember their assessments.

• WBA is playing a role in bringing [doctors] here [to regional] hospitals.

• [It will] enhance our national and international reputation as a center for educational excellence.

Abbreviation: WBA, workplace-based assessment.

Table 2 Positive themes: candidates

• [W]hat actually hinders us from becoming good practitioners is actually communication. I think the idea of communication is very important.

• You know a lot more people. You have a good relationship with consultants.

• 360°s were a reassurance for me that I am liked by my colleagues. [Having] 12 people that say good things about me [is] definitely a confidence booster.

• [F]eedback from 20 specialists telling you one or two points each – they are very wise words. I received some excellent feedback and it really did affect my practise.

• I have found the documentation feedback good because [usually] no-one tells you how to do the notes. This is feedback that you normally don’t get.

• [Y]ou can plan your assignments and study. That is the best thing I have found.

• It was six months of seeing patients which was better than just the clinical exam.

Table 3 Negative themes: candidates

• [C]onsistency amongst the assessors isn’t the same and should be improved

• I’ve heard one clinician say “You’ve [taken] the easy way out.”

• I had to do three assessments in one and a half weeks which was quite stressful at the time but I got through it.

• I was so stressed before, and I think the orientation was not enough, so I don’t know how it can be managed to be better, but I think it needs to be more detailed.

Table 4 Negative themes: assessors

• Candidates need to know that they can ask questions but they can’t challenge you to the degree where they try to take you on when they want you to change your mind. So you try to make sure you are in a safe place. And that has come up but to be honest, it’s usually males…

• Because I get CMOs, residents and the majority of them are registrars, so I always find it hard and probably pitch it [the assessment] a bit too high for the residents and a bit too low for the registrar.

Abbreviation: CMOs, Career Medical Officers.