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Modified Case based Discussion - Substantial Comparability candidates

Substantial Comparability candidates must successfully complete three* summative Modified Case based Discussions (CbDs) to meet the requirements of the pathway.

The Modified CbD is:

  • a discussion about a case from the candidate’s current or recent caseload
  • designed to reflect a collegial discussion between colleagues
  • run as a 1-hour virtual meeting on Microsoft Teams
  • facilitated and assessed by an independent RANZCP Assessor who is not the candidate’s supervisor.

Candidates prepare and submit three written case summaries two weeks before the Modified CbD. One case is selected to be the subject of the Modified CbD discussion. 

Note: For Substantial Comparability candidates, face to face CbDs have been replaced by the online Modified CbD, effective 2020.

Scheduling the Modified Case based Discussion

Modified CbDs take place according to the cohort assessment schedule, provided to candidates when they start on the pathway.

Online meeting details are sent out approximately one month before the scheduled assessment date. Candidates will receive two Microsoft Teams meeting links – one for the main discussion, the other for the feedback session held on the same day.

Candidates are notified of who their assessor will be one day prior to the assessment.

Key information

  • Three cases must be prepared for each assessment, with one case selected by the assessor for discussion. 
  • Different cases must be used for each Modified CbD.
  • All case summaries and synopses must be deidentified before submission. 
  • The assessment is conducted online via Microsoft Teams. 
  • Case summaries, synopses and consent forms must be submitted at least two weeks before the assessment.

Preparation for the Modified Case based Discussion

About a month before the scheduled discussion, the candidate must:

1. Select three cases

Choose three cases from current / recent caseload. Candidates must have been involved in the patient’s ongoing clinical care. Cases based only on one-off assessment are not suitable.

Important: Candidates must use different patient cases for each Modifed CbD.

2. Obtain patient consent

Obtain patient consent for each case and fill out the following forms.

3. Write up cases

Write up a case summary and case synopsis for each case. The College recommends that candidates prepare their own written material rather than using AI-generated content.

a.    Case summary

Prepare a 700 – 750 word deidentified summary of each case, covering:

  • the presenting problem
  • psychosocial context
  • key features of assessment and management
  • discharge planning and long-term planning
  • involvement with the patient.

b.    Case synopsis

Prepare a deidentified synopsis of 2000–4000-words for each case. The synopsis should include a comprehensive clinical assessment, patient management and progress over time.

Conclude each synopsis by explaining how each of the following Modified CbD domains has been addressed:

  • Clinical assessment
  • Management plan: treatment
  • Management plan: collaboration
  • Communication
  • Professionalism

View a Sample synopsis [PDF; 97KB].

4.    Submit written cases

Submit case summaries, synopses and patient consent forms to comparability@ranzcp.org, at least two weeks before the scheduled Modified CbD.

Structure and format of the Modified Case based Discussion

  1. A RANZCP staff member starts the online meeting and lets the Assessor in, followed by the candidate.
  2. The RANZCP staff member leaves the meeting.
  3. After brief introductions, the assessor invites the candidate to outline:
    • their role
    • the setting
    • team
    • patient profile
  4. Assessor tells the candidate which case will be discussed.
  5. Candidate gives an update on the patient’s case since the written materials were submitted. Up to 10 mins.
  6. Assessor asks a series of questions to explore what, how and why the candidate handled the case the way they did. The discussion covers 3 topics. Topics vary according to the patient setting and what the assessor wants to discuss. 30 mins, no more than 40 mins.
  7. Final comments from candidate. 2 minutes
  8. Everyone exits virtual meeting room. Assessor marks and prepares feedback. 10 -15 minutes.
  9. Assessor and candidate join feedback discussion meeting room via the second link provided in the confirmation email.
  10. Verbal feedback and scores are provided to the candidate. 15 – 30 minutes.

Assessment criteria

Candidates are assessed across five domains:

  • Clinical assessment.
  • Management plan: treatment.
  • Management plan: collaboration.
  • Communication.
  • Professionalism.

Detailed assessment criteria and ratings are outlined in the Modified Case based Discussion Assessment form [PDF; 381KB]

Note: Case synopses and summaries are assessed under the domain of Communication.

Assessment and rating forms

Assessor fills out forms after the Modified CbD and sends to comparability@ranzcp.org. Forms are then sent to candidate to complete.

Results

The assessor will grade the candidate against one of four possible outcomes for each domain:

  1. Did not achieve the standard - clearly below the pass standard.
  2. Just below the standard - performance just below the standard.
  3. Achieved the standard - performance is at the level expected of a junior consultant.
  4. Surpassed the standard - above the pass standard, but not necessarily flawless.

Candidates will not pass the CbD if they receive:

  • at least one ‘Did not achieve the standard’ in any domain
  • two or more ‘Just below the standard’ in any domain.

Final scores are reviewed and confirmed by the SCARP during their monthly meetings.

Requesting a review of results

Candidates who believe their Modified CbD result was affected by adverse circumstances should fill out an incident report and request a review of the result.

Modified CbD Incident report form [PDF; 83.1KB]

*Exemption from third Modified Case based Discussion

The SCARP may grant eligible Substantial Comparability candidates an exemption from the third Modified CbD if they:

  • received scores of ‘achieved’ or ‘surpass’ across all Modified CbD domains for their first and second summative Modified CbD
  • successfully completed all other required WBAs
  • successfully completed the 360 feedback with scores of 4 or higher across all domains
  • successfully completed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and/or Māori Mental Health Experience
  • Candidates will be informed by the SCARP if they are eligible for an exemption.

Last updated 01 September 2026