It has been proposed that a Situational Judgement Test (SJT) replace the current 'white space questions'. SJTs are designed to assess professional judgement and likely behaviours expected of a Foundation Doctor, as defined in the person specification. The test questions will be multiple choice and may have more than one correct answer, based on complex situations encountered in foundation training. It will be taken under invigilated conditions.
SJTs are currently used in the selection process for GPs, and they are being piloted for selection into other specialty training posts. It is proposed that the SJT will be delivered by medical schools in the UK on a minimum of two dates to allow for electives and unavoidable absence. The test is expected to last approximately 2 hours and students will answer 60 SJT items.
SJT Item Development
SJT items are currently being developed and quality assured by those who work closely with Foundation Year One doctors, including clinicians. All items go through an extensive QA process and will only be used in the final SJT if they are approved at each stage. We are working with the Work Psychology Group, who are heavily involved in the item development, quality assurance and analysis of all pilot results.
Example SJT questions
There are two formats for SJT items; rank the responses in the most appropriate order, and select the three most appropriate answers. Below is an example of each questions format. More example questions will be added following the spring 2011 pilots.
Example one
Please note: this is an example SJT for an Foundation Year Two, whereas any SJT items for the new system will be aimed specifically at Foundation Year One roles. This is just to provide you with an example of what an SJT looks like and how you might answer this.
You are a second year foundation doctor (F2 or FY2) working in general practice. At the baby clinic the nurse gives you a syringe with fluid already drawn up, an immunization (MMR), to give to a baby. After the parent and child have gone home you realise that the syringe contained only the diluent; the ampoule of active powder is intact.
Rank in order the following actions in response to this situation (1 = most appropriate, 5 = least appropriate)
A. Contact the parent immediately and explain what has happened
B. Inform the practice manager of the nurses' mistake
C. Fill in a critical incident form
D. Send a further appointment for the baby
E. Take no action
Example two
Please note: the SJT item below does not have a specified marking system at the moment and so is just designed purely to provide you with an example of what the items will look like.
You are looking after Mrs Sandra Jones, who is being investigated in hospital. You are asked by her family not to inform Mrs Jones if the results confirm cancer.
Choose the THREE most appropriate actions to take in this situation
A. Ignore the family’s wishes
B. Agree not to tell Mrs Jones
C. Explain to the family that it is Mrs Jones’ decision
D. Ask Mrs Jones whether she wishes to know the test results
E. Ask Mrs Jones whether she wishes you to inform the family
F. Inform Mrs Jones that her family do not wish her to have the results
G. Give the results to the family first
H. Give the results to the next of kin first