The Proposed Selection Process

Applicants will continue to complete the online form specifying Foundation School preferences, but will take an invigilated Situational Judgement Test (SJT) instead of completing white space questions which will be added to the online system along with the Educational Performance Measure (EPM) score. Applicants will continue to be allocated to foundation schools based on their preference and then on their score. This will not affect the number of students who are allocated to their first choice foundation school.

Educational Performance Measure (EPM)

A common framework based primarily on the results of assessments of applied knowledge and clinical skills will be developed. However, the EPM differs from the current quartiles in that:

• It will be more robust than current quartile scores, which are not currently produced to a standard specification
• There may be separate scores for clinical skills and knowledge based on performance at medical school
• It will be more granular than quartiles
• The pilots of EPM will help to produce a standard specification and determine the effectiveness and practicality of producing an EPM score
• It is envisaged that the EPM scores will be combined with the SJT scores to give an overall score which will be used for selection purposes. The pilots will consider the relative weightings of the EPM and SJT scores and how they should be combined to produce an overall score for selection purposes

Situational Judgement Test (SJT)

Every applicant will undergo an invigilated test which is 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. Situational Judgement Tests (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.

The diagram below demonstrates how the SJTs will be produced and deployed. These items will then be stored in a secure bank which medical schools will be able to access in order to download the SJT questions. The tests will be marked and the outcomes will be psychometrically analysed for quality assurance purposes.

Example SJT question

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