Is workplace-based assessment achievable in practice? Response to Holmes

Dear Editor,

Dr Holmes’ letter opens with the implication that with the cessation of the OSCE, the RANZCP is removing independent clinical assessment from Fellowship training program. In fact, the two shortlisted options – Clinical Competency Portfolio Review and Integrated Assessment Process, which emerged from a thorough consultation process – propose the independent assessment of trainees’ ability to undertake a formulative clinical assessment of real patients in an authentic setting.

Core clinical skills such as history taking, synthesis, formulation, and management will be tested formatively and summatively at various points in the trainee’s trajectory. Given the findings in the literature on how assessment drives learning, the new assessment format will stimulate and encourage candidates to practise and improve these skills...