title: Do general practice selection scores predict success at MRCGP? An exploratory study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Selection into general practice training is undertaken using a competency based approach. The clear advantage of this approach over traditional methods has been demonstrated through evaluation of its validity and reliability. However, the relationship between selection  and performance in the Royal College of General Practitioner examinations (MRCGP) has yet to be explored. The MRCGP comprises of an applied knowledge test (AKT), a clinical skills assessment (CSA) and workplace-based assessments (WPBA).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To explore the predictive validity of general  practice selection scores using the AKT and CSA elements of the MRCGP as a final outcome measure.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study carried out a retrospective analysis of 101 trainees from the Wales Deanery who were successfully selected on to general practice training in 2007. Selection data consisted  of an overall selection score as well as scores from each individual stage of selection. Correlation was used to explore associations between selection scores and examination scores.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The score for overall performance at selection achieved statistically significant correlation  with examination performance (r = 0.491 for the AKT and r = 0.526 for the CSA, P <0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The general practice selection process is predictive of future performance in the MRCGP.
authors.affiliation: Wales Deanery, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK. harryahmed@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: Haroon
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.forename: Melody
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rhydderch
authors.forename: Phil
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Matthews
mesh_terms: D000124:Achievement; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005260:Female; D058006:General Practice / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012570:School Admission Criteria / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006113:United Kingdom