title: Incorporating multi-source feedback into a new clinically based revision course for the FRCS(Plast) exam.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Exit exams for completion of surgical training are demanding and have relatively low pass rates with many candidates requiring multiple attempts.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To establish a new, clinically based exam preparation course, utilising multi-source feedback, to identify candidates at risk of failure and improve pass rates.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe the process of establishing a new, unique, clinically based exam preparation course incorporating multi-source feedback from examiners, patients, nurses and other trainees. We present the course results as well as the exam results for each candidate and analyse the results of the multi-source feedback.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nine candidates have so far successfully completed both the preparation course and the FRCS(Plast) exam. Success in the exam preparation course accurately predicts success in the FRCS(Plast) exam. Nursing staff and patients tend to give higher scores than examiners and trainees. The majority of marginal failures from the course went on to pass the exam, indicating that the course allows candidates to successfully address weaknesses identified on the course.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A clinically based exam preparation course utilising multi-source feedback allows identification of candidates at risk of failing a surgical training exit exam and allows targeted training in order to maximise pass rates.
authors.affiliation: University Hospital North Staffordshire, UK. elizabeth_chipp@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Chipp
authors.forename: Karthik
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Srinivasan
authors.forename: Muhammad Adil Abbas
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: Sukh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rayatt
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016730:Program Development; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000193:education*