Showing papers by "General Medical Council published in 2005"

Assessing the technical skills of surgical trainees.

Abstract: Background: The aims were to determine whether tests of technical skill on simple simulations can predict competence in the operating theatre and whether objective assessment in the operating theatre by direct observation and video recording is feasible and reliable. Methods: Thirty-three general surgical trainees undertook five simple skill simulations (knotting, skin incision and suturing, tissue dissection, vessel ligation and small bowel anastomosis). The operative competence of each trainee was then assessed during two or three saphenofemoral disconnections (SFDs) by a single surgeon. Video recordings of the operations were also assessed by two surgeons. Results: The inter-rater reliability between direct observation and blinded videotape assessment was high (α = 0·96 (95 per cent confidence interval 0·92 to 0·98)). Backward stepwise regression analysis revealed that the best predictors of operative competence were the number of SFDs performed previously plus the simulation scores for dissection and ligation, the key components of SFD (64 per cent of variance explained; P = 0·001). Conclusion: Deconstruction of operations into their component parts enables trainees to practise on simple simulations representing each component, and be assessed as competent, before undertaking the actual operation. Assessment of surgical competence by direct observation and video recording is feasible and reliable; such assessments could be used for both formative and summative assessment. Copyright © 2005 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Building on the GMC's achievements

Abstract: Revalidation is under scrutiny. The GMC plans to play an important part in developing an effective system The fifth report of the Shipman inquiry provided a thorough and considered analysis of the issues surrounding fitness to practise.1 We must all approach the report in the spirit of learning from the past and as a source of ideas for improving the protection of patients in the future. The government's proposals to improve death certification and for tighter regulation of controlled drugs2 will, alongside clinical governance, help stop another Harold Shipman. Nevertheless, the General Medical Council recognises that further changes are required to our processes. ![][1] How can we ensure new doctors remain fit to practise? Credit: www.topfoto.co.uk Some have argued that no general lessons can be drawn from the Shipman case. I believe that view is mistaken. Of course many of the circumstances were specific, but much broader, historical issues were raised. These include: Dame Janet Smith, the chairman of the inquiry, acknowledged that much has changed for the better, but we all have more to do, whether within our regulatory bodies, healthcare organisations, or clinical teams or as individual healthcare professionals. We need to ensure that further … [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif