Background

From 2025 RNZCUC will be implementing mandatory workplace-based assessments (WBAs) at defined stages of training in the vocational training programme (see the training programme structure diagram on this page).

One of the required actions for the 2021 MCNZ accreditation report was that “RNZCUC must formalise and increase the frequency and requirement for workplace-based assessments, ensuring each trainee receives documented feedback and progressive judgements, in order to provide assurance of teaching and learning across the breadth of the curriculum and the achievement of the outcomes of the training programme”.

WBAs are formative, with the registrar’s learning and professional development being guided by timely and effective feedback by different college approved assessors, including their supervisor. A variety of WBA tools will be implemented, including:

  • Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercises (mini-CEX),
  • Case-based Discussion (CbD), and
  • Direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS).

During 2024 a pilot of the new WBAs was conducted in 3 urgent care clinics. Feedback on the value of the assessments from both supervisors and registrars was extremely positive, noting potential challenges in scheduling assessments within a busy clinic environment. Consultation was also undertaken with members and clinics. Feedback from this consultations resulted in a decision to reduce the required number of Mini-CEX and DOPS in the first year of training.

WBA Requirements

Registrars who commenced the training programme before 2025 will not be required to complete WBAs.

From 2025 registrars joining the RNZCUC training programme will be required to complete a minimum number of WBAs at each stage of training. There will also be requirements for the topics and complexity of the cases. Registrars can and are encouraged to complete more than the minimum number, as opportunities for additional learning and feedback. It may also be necessary to complete additional cases to fulfil the topic and complexity requirements. Additional Mini-CEXs completed in one stage (over and above the minimum requirement) will not be credited towards the requirements in a subsequent stage.

  • In Basic training (year 1) a minimum of 4 Mini-CEX and 2 DOPS must be completed. The required topics for stage one are common presentations in urgent care for which a junior registrar should be competent.
    • CEX
      • Paediatric fever
      • Abdominal pain
      • Chest pain
      • Orthopaedic case
    • DOPS
      • Digital nerve block
      • Suturing
  • In Advanced training stage (years 2 and 3) and the Provisional Fellowship year (year 4) CbD are added to the requirements. The minimum number, topics and complexity are yet to be determined for stage 2 and 3.
Funding and Logistics

Importantly, the College acknowledges that WBAs are resource intensive, a vital consideration in the current resource constrained healthcare environment. It recognises the financial burden, including supervisor training, as well as the time demands that will be placed on supervisors as assessors of these WBAs. In addition, there will be increased College administrative burden. Funding has been secured from Workforce Planning and Funding to reimburse supervisors or training sites for the time spent conducting WBAs at approved training facilities for those registrars who are eligible to have their training programme costs covered by WPF .

The logistics of completing WBAs will vary between training sites. It will be important to define expectations between the registrar and supervisor in planning when WBAs can be carried out. At training sites where a supervisor has dedicated non-clinical time, this may be an opportunity to schedule WBAs. It is estimated that WBAs will take between 30-40 min to complete, which includes time for feedback.

Conducting the WBA

See: