Patient centredness in the MRCGP video examination: analysis of large cohort

Abstract

The examination for membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP) consists of four modules. The consulting skills module, introduced in 1996, is normally taken by submitting a videotape of seven consultations, selected by the candidate to show "competency" in each of 15 "performance criteria." These criteria are explained in the examination literature and on the college's website. 1 The module is based on a competency model of assessment, which defines outcomes, in a hierarchical framework. 2 The performance criteria (see table) are grouped into five areas: discovering the reason for the patient's attendance, exploring the problem(s), tackling the problem(s), explaining the problem(s), and making effective use of the consultation.