Exit examination: a survey of UK psychiatrists' views

Abstract

Aims and method The Royal College of Psychiatrists is considering how best to introduce a post-MRCPsych-examination assessment (‘exit examination’) in anticipation of external pressures to ensure patient safety through the use of such assessments. The Psychiatric Trainees' Committee conducted an online survey to gather the views of psychiatrists regarding the possible format and content of this examination in the hope that this information can be used to design a satisfactory assessment.Results Of the 2082 individuals who started the survey, 1735 completed all sections (83.3%). Participants included consultants and trainees from a range of subspecialties. There was general agreement that the content and structure of the exit examination should include assessment of clinical and communication skills.Clinical implications UK psychiatrists believe that an exit assessment should focus on clinical and communication skills. It should assess both generic and subspecialty-specific competencies and incorporate a mixture of assessment techniques.

The exit examination should not function as a selection criterion

“…As an early member of the Association of Psychiatrists in Training, which was founded to support the changes involved in the new College structure, I would like to comment on the paper by Hughes and colleagues 1 as well as the issues raised by Shields. 2…”