The Low Pass Rate in the RANZCP Clinical Examinations: Is the Exam the Problem?

Abstract

Much of supervision bore little relationship to preparation for college examinations until these were imminent. While the daily practice of trainees and supervisors continues to be at variance with the practices required to pass the examination (reflected by reference to 'exam-style' and 'non-exam style' presentations) the pass rates will remain low. If we believe that the standard set in the examination is that required of a practising psychiatrist, change is required to supervision and daily practice standards to reflect these standards.

Supervision: ‘a random bag of arrangements’? Perspectives from psychiatrists on how to improve clinical teaching

“…1,2 However, studies indicate there is room for improvement in the quality of teaching provided. 3–5 In this study, we aimed to explore the psychiatrists’ perspectives on how clinical teaching and supervision could be improved.…”

ANZJP This Month

“…The same challenge of balancing uncertainty and complexity with the need for rigor attends the training of junior psychiatrists who will of course go on to become advocates and opinion leaders in the mental health field themselves. MacDonald and Ellis (3) studied the supervision of registrars and its relationship to the requirements of the RANZCP examinations. Generally, supervision did not focus on theoretical study and structured case presentation until close to the examination.…”