Practice based assessment

BACKGROUND: Practice based assessment (PBA) was designed to suit the needs of doctors eligible to sit The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Fellowship (FRACGP) exam via the practice eligible route. A pilot program of the PBA was undertaken in 2000. As a result of recommendations by candidates and examiners and ongoing literature review, a number of changes have been made, but the basic structure of the assessment process remains. OBJECTIVE: This article describes the components of the PBA route to the FRACGP and discuss how candidates can prepare effectively for their assessment. DISCUSSION: The PBA involves five components: an enrolment submission including details of general practice experience curriculum vitae and details of continuing professional development; a professional portfolio including evidence of CPR proficiency, a practice profile and a list of 25 professional peers who have shared the care of patients; videotape of 90 consultations; an examiner clinical visit; and a 20 question viva. (author abstract)