The MRCGP clinical skills assessment: an integrative review of evidence

McLoughlin, K., Pope, L. , Walsh, E., Jennings, A. and Foley, T. (2018) The MRCGP clinical skills assessment: an integrative review of evidence. Education for Primary Care, 29(3), pp. 132-137. (doi: 10.1080/14739879.2018.1427510) (PMID:29366383)

Abstract

Background: Successful completion of all three components of the Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners UK (MRCGP) is required for a doctor to practise independently as a general practitioner (GP). One component, the Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA), is a high fidelity, high stakes examination designed to provide an objective external assessment of clinical skills. Aim: The aim of this integrative review was to identify, critically appraise and synthesise published empirical evidence on the CSA to identify areas for further inquiry or future collaboration. Design and setting: An integrative review of empirical literature focused on the MRCGP CSA. Method: A search strategy was developed to conduct an integrative review of empirical published literature. The quality of studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Results: 11 of the 31 records reviewed were included. Studies were heterogeneous looking at the use of simulated patients, child actors and mock CSAs. Variables contributing to performance on the CSA, with a particular emphasis on the International Medical Graduate, were identified. Conclusion: A small pool of published evidence regarding the CSA exists, focused on factors influencing CSA performance. Future research could explore the effectiveness of interventions to improve performance on the CSA and use robust measures to consider candidates’ experience of the CSA.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Pope, Professor Lindsey
• Authors: McLoughlin, K., Pope, L., Walsh, E., Jennings, A., and Foley, T.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Education for Primary Care
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• ISSN: 1473-9879
• ISSN (Online): 1475-990X
• Published Online: 25 January 2018