The Foundation Programme assessment tools: an opportunity to enhance feedback to trainees?

The recent change in working patterns of doctors in training has meant that the traditional systems of education are under increasing pressure and that there is the need to maximise new opportunities for learning. One new opportunity may arise after the introduction of the mandatory assessment systems (Mini-CEX, DOPPS, Multi-source feedback, and Case based discussion) in the Foundation Programmes. In this review the new assessment procedures for the Foundation Programmes are outlined and the potential of these assessments (using Mini-CEX as main example) as an opportunity to give feedback to trainees discussed. The importance of feedback in professional development and some of the techniques available for giving feedback are described. The Foundation Programme assessments will occupy a significant amount of trainees' and trainers' time and it is important that opportunity for feedback and learning is maximised.