Assessment of clinical performance: gathering evidence.

The focus of assessment of clinical performance has moved from over-reliance on individual tools to constructing a coherent assessment programme. The purpose of such an assessment programme is to gather high-quality evidence to make well-informed decisions. This requires clarity on the decisions to be made and an ability to gather a sufficient amount of high-quality data. The assessment programme should be aligned to doing the job well so that a successful assessment result reflects what is valued. A variety of assessments over a variety of times, matched against the areas of interest and value, enhances both reliability and validity. Workplace-based assessment tools can complement centralized assessment tools. Multiple snapshots, even if some are not totally in focus, give a better picture than one poorly aimed photograph.