Examiner perceptions of the MRCGP recorded consultation assessment for general practice licensing during COVID-19: cross-sectional study

<p>Background The Recorded Consultation Assessment (RCA) was developed rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemicto replace the Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA) for UK general practice licensing. Our aim was to evaluate examinerperceptions of the RCA.Methods We employed a cross-sectional design using a questionnaire survey of RCA examiners with attitudinal(relating to examiners thoughts and perceptions of the RCA) and free text response options. We conducted statisticaldescriptive and factor analysis of quantitative data with qualitative thematic analysis of free text responses.Results Overall, 182 of 260 (70%) examiners completed the questionnaire. Responders felt that consultationssubmitted were representative of the work of a typical GP during the pandemic and provided a good sample acrossthe curriculum. They were also generally positive about the logistic, advisory and other support provided as wellas the digital platform. Despite responders generally agreeing there was sufficient information available in video oraudio consultations to judge candidates’ data gathering, clinical management, and interpersonal skills, they were lessconfident about their ability to make judgments of candidates’ performance compared with the CSA. The qualitativeanalysis of free text responses detailed the problems of case selection and content, explained examiners’ difficultieswhen making judgments, and detailed the generally positive views about support, training and information technology.Responders also provided helpful recommendations for improving the assessment.Conclusion The RCA was considered by examiners to be feasible and broadly acceptable, although they experiencedchallenges from candidate case selection, case content and judgments leading to suggested areas for improvement.</p>