BAPIO had the fourth Annual Meeting with MRCPUK and Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board (JRCPTB) on 9th March 17 at RCP London. Prof. Elder, the chair of JRCPTB, acknowledged that differential attainment remains an issue and positive actions and solutions are needed. It was recognised that the issue is wider than examination outcomes, and the focus has shifted to training.
MRCP(UK) agreed to support BAPIO to contact the Colleges regarding PACES courses and the opportunity for collaboration. Dr Mehta explained BAPIO’s interest in running joint courses for international medical graduates (IMGs). The potential to collaborate with commercial courses was also noted. The UK wide BAPIO trainee network will be asked for views about courses.
An update on planned changes to the internal medicine curriculum was presented. The intention is for trainees to have three years to complete all parts of the MRCP(UK) Diploma, although it will be encouraged by the end of the second year (as now), and a PACES 2020 review is taking place to consider the format and structure of the clinical examination.
BAPIO raised issues about:
- training of role players in equality and diversity – it was noted that surrogates in PACES do not currently assess trainees, and collection of protected characteristics is planned;
- unconscious bias and the need for awareness of our own potential bias;
- whether behavioural change as a result of undertaking training can be monitored.
The advantages of having two examiners in each PACES station who mark independently was noted.
Dr Mehta acknowledged the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK’s continued work to ensure fairness and highlighted that differential attainment continues. Research undertaken in relation to differential attainment and performance of international medical graduates in relation to local graduates was noted. The lead in time for changes to have an impact was emphasised.
It was suggested that PACES encounters are recorded routinely so candidates can request their videos. It was also suggested that more real patients are used, rather than role players. There was some discussion about cultural differences that may exist between candidates and examiners.
The opportunities for BAPIO to collaborate on the following were noted:
Survey of trainees and their experience of preparation courses;
Equality and diversity training development.
It was acknowledged that the focus is wider than examinations and training and support for trainees is important in support of delivering high quality patient care. The HEE national review of the annual review of competence progression (ARCP) is in progress, and risk factors and support for progression will be considered in the review.
BAPIO was represented by Drs Ramesh Mehta, Neeraj Bhala, Rehman Khan and Indranil Chakravorty.