This tutorial has outlined the changes to WPBA tools within obstetrics and gynaecology. Changes in August 2014 to how existing tools are approached have ensured that they are better at fulfilling their purposes – to provide documented feedback or judgement on a trainee’s ability to complete a competence. This categorisation has been supported by a modification of the existing forms, all which are now generic rather than procedure-specific.
This amendment simplifies the assessment process and provides the opportunity for many appraisals of a trainee’s performance.
The changes have not impacted upon ARCP requirements but have allowed trainees to engage in the process of assessment for learning more frequently throughout the training year.
Key points
- The WPBA changes (effective from August 2014) were driven by the educational goals of workplace learning.
- The tools are better at fulfilling their objective – either the provision of feedback or a justified judgement.
- Generic forms have simplified the process and increased the opportunities for qualitative appraisals.
- Formative (SLE) assessments are assessments for learning.
- Summative (AoP) assessments are assessments of learning.
- The changes have not affected ARCP requirements.
- Trainees are able to engage in the process of assessment for learning more frequently throughout the training year.
For more information, a presentation narrated by Mr Kevin Hayes summarising the changes to WBPA is available here.
If you have any queries about the content of the workplace-based assessments, please email the Head of Examinations or call +44 20 7772 6308.