Workplace-based assessment: Survey of psychiatric trainees in Wales

Abstract

AIMS AND METHOD: To explore attitudes and perceptions regarding workplace-based assessment (WPBA) among psychiatric trainees in Wales, identify current problems and recommend measures to successfully implement WPBA. An anonymous questionnaire-based, cross-sectional online national survey was conducted involving all psychiatric specialty registrars in Wales. RESULTS: Out of 88 specialty registrars in Wales, 81 participated in the survey, a response rate of 92%. The survey highlighted widespread problems and negative attitudes among trainees towards WPBA. Numerous concerns, involving assessment tools, online system, quality of assessors and practicalities of assessments were identified. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The negative attitudes harboured by many trainees would certainly contribute towards undermining the efficacy of WPBA to improve training. In this context, specific measures with the potential to address the shortcomings identified during the survey are discussed, with a view to improving WPBA and rendering it more acceptable to trainees, and in doing so, facilitate the improvement of training.