Stage 1
OSCE’s (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations)
These are used with real & simulated patients, to assess clinical interview and physical examination skills.
Written Examination
This is a short answer written paper to assess knowledge of mechanisms of illness & interpretation of investigations.
Stage 2
Learners return to their work setting in preparation for their new role, but are required to actively seek learning opportunities. When they recognise a relevant learning event, this is recorded in the portfolio. A template enables description of the learning event, what they believe they have learnt from it, comments from an appropriate clinician, and how it relates to their learning and the NACAN assessment model. Learning events are defined by the learner, and can be a small component of a lengthier clinical episode.
Demonstration of application of knowledge & skills in the learners intended area of practice. This is by examination of the learner held portfolio during 3 educational supervision meetings. (1 hour duration each).
MiniCex (Observed Mini Clinical Evaluation Exercises)
On 3 separate occasions, learners are required to be observed (by a clinician), taking a history from a patient, undertaking an appropriate physical examination, and then writing up their findings in the patients notes.
Every 4 – 6 weeks, learners meet with their education supervisor to review their portfolio. The portfolio includes diary of clinical contact and a self-assessment tool. Learners are expected to write up 18 different clinical encounters. A template is included in the portfolio for each of the learner selected clinical scenarios, to enable learners to rate their confidence in the assessments. These are then discussed during the education supervision meetings. In this way, evidence of the learner’s knowledge & ability in undertaking clinical history taking & physical assessment is built up.
Stage 3
An assessedclinical presentation supported by a written assignment
