Trainee assessment--a regional survey.

A postal questionnaire was sent to all 140 trainers in the west of Scotland region and to the 102 trainees who had completed their training three months prior to the survey. The aim of the study was to identify the types of trainee assessment in use, the proportion of trainers using the various methods, the attitudes of trainers and trainees to the assessment methods employed, and their views on a regional assessment programme. Response rates of 89% for trainers and 71% for trainees were obtained. Almost all respondents reported the use of some from of assessment. The mean number of assessment types reported by trainees was 3.7 and by trainers 5.2. The most commonly used method was videotaping of trainee consultations, used by 76% of respondents, and the least common the use of hard data, for example prescribing statistics or referral rates. Videotaping was also rated the most useful method by both groups. Those with experience of the assessment methods gave them a higher score for usefulness than those without such experience. Approximately half of the respondents favoured a regional protocol for assessment. This study has shown that if trainers and trainees can be encouraged to use assessment methods they will find them helpful. However, universal assessment will only become a reality when it becomes a requirement for accreditation as a trainer.