This year’s UCPEX written exam was held at the Ellerslie Racecourse and Events Centre on the 21st of November. OSCE was held the day after, at the Manukau SuperClinic on the 22nd of November.
Both exams went as smoothly as ever. The College was able to get the results for both the written exam and the OSCE sent out well within the three-week window that we have set ourselves. Results were sent out on Friday, the 12th of December. If you have not received them, please contact tpc@rnzcuc.org.nz.
Every year we conduct post UCPEX and post OSCE surveys, canvassing comments from trainees, examiners, markers, the office team, actors, and administration support ‘extras’.
UCPEX Written – summary of survey feedback
There were several comments about what a great venue it was, with beautiful scenery, views and being easy to get to.
There was generally positive feedback on the administrative aspects of the exam, with 100% of candidates strongly agreeing or agreeing that they had received good communications from the office, that the venue was good for a written exam and that the on-the-day instructions, invigilator instructions and briefing were good. 86% agreed or strongly agreed that the resources (textbooks and online Urgent Care Course) supported their preparation. However, there is room for improvement, such as streamlining the course content.
When asked about the written exam content, there was mixed feedback. While most registrars found the MCQs and SAQs clearly written and understandable, many felt that the written paper was not a fair test of their clinical knowledge or a reflection of real-life urgent care practice. This is something that the exam committee will work on for next year’s written exam.
The office team reflected on our organisation and have a few ideas to make the written exam run even smoother next year, and to add in even more ways to reduce the chance of errors being introduced (not that there were any; we are always looking to improve).
OSCE – summary of survey feedback
There was generally positive feedback on the administrative aspects of the exam, with 100% of candidates strongly agreeing or agreeing that they had received good communications from the office, that the venue was good for a written exam and that the on-the-day instructions, invigilator instructions and briefing were good.
94% agreed or strongly agreed that the resources (textbooks and online Urgent Care Course) supported their preparation. Most clinical stations were perceived as fair tests of clinical skills. In future years, scenarios will be more aligned to real-life urgent care practice, with the plan to have more time in stations to discuss diagnosis and management, including in relation to radiology findings.
The office team have a few ideas to improve the overall running of the OSCE though in general we feel that we have things going smoothly.