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Trainee exit survey report
The RANZCP surveys trainees and Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) who have completed training about their experience of the Fellowship program.
The results of the survey help shape changes and improvements to RANZCP education and training programs.
The report of the 2022 Trainee Exit Survey will include a comparison against the previous survey results (2020 and 2021).
2021 RANZCP Trainee Exit Survey Report
One hundred and twenty-three trainees and SIMGs who completed training in the period January–December responded to the 2021 survey, a 53.9% response rate.
Report highlights
There continues to be a high positive perception that there were opportunities to meet the College training requirements of the Fellowship program in placements (93%) and a clear understanding of what is needed to meet the requirements of the program (89%).
Multidisciplinary work (89%), clinical skills (87%) and theoretical knowledge (88%) are considered key skills developed during the Fellowship program.
There was no change in the overall rating of supervisors, with 84% of trainees rating their supervisor's quality as 'good' or 'very good'.
Communications from the College about training were considered satisfactory by 76% of respondents, and a similar proportion reported that they knew who to contact at College about the Fellowship program.
The experience provided by the Fellowship program, particularly the relevant and comprehensive training, was the most positive attribute of the Fellowship program. Supervision and assessments (particularly WBAs) continue to be given as positive attributes. Conversely, the top challenges were related to assessments, personal challenges and College administration.
Areas for improvement
The survey also revealed areas that trainees found difficult. The RANZCP is progressing with a number of activities to address the issues raised.
Examinations
The Essay-style examination was a source of significant dissatisfaction among respondents, as well as issues associated with insufficient feedback on exam performance, and the timeliness of that feedback.
RANZCP actions
The content of results letters has been modified to better identify areas of strength and weakness across exam stations and how they contribute to the overall exam result. Further work is being undertaken to improve the timeliness of results letters.
In August 2021 the Essay-style exam was decoupled into two independent exams - the Modified Essay Question (MEQ) and the Critical Essay Question (CEQ). Future Exit surveys will include a greater number of respondents who have completed the MEQ and CEQ and will provide a more accurate perception of the examinations.
Consultation is underway to inform the development of the future assessment strategy for the RANZCP Fellowship program, with an intention to better integrate workplace-based assessment and centrally administered assessment.
Supervision
While the overall rating of supervisors remained stable, many aspects of supervision decreased relative to 2020.
RANZCP actions
A project to provide supervisors with improved resourcing and support has commenced. A survey of supervisors has been undertaken and will inform the development of further development opportunities.
Formal Education Courses
Only 49% of new Fellows considered that the Formal Education Courses gave them the knowledge to prepare for examinations. There was a decrease in the perception that FECs provide opportunities for peer support. This may be a consequence of the move to online FECs in response to Covid-19 during 2020 and 2021.
RANZCP actions
During 2021 all FECs underwent reaccreditation using a more robust process that included trainee representation on the assessment teams.
The accreditation cycle for FECs is now consistent with that of training programs, with a mid-cycle review that includes trainee feedback.
Engagement, consultation and support
There was a perception that trainee representation is not included on College committees, and that their views are not adequately considered in changes to the Fellowship program. There were also negative perceptions of access to psychological and/or mental health services.
RANZCP actions
The RANZCP Board has appointed Dr Pramudie Gunaratne as the first Appointed Director, Trainee
Representatives of the TRC and associations of psychiatry trainees have been involved in the development of the response to the failure of the November 2021 AVOSCE and the consideration of future assessment strategy.
Previous reports
2020 Trainee Exit Survey [PDF; 378 KB]
2016 Admission to Fellowship Survey [PDF; 1.1 MB]
2015 Admission to Fellowship Survey [PDF; 513 KB]
2014 Admission to Fellowship Survey [PDF; 518 KB]
For any questions about the survey or the reports, contact education@ranzcp.org.
