This important book offers an introduction to the theory and the varying types of assessment for health care professionals. The book includes information on such topics as Where have work based assessments come from?; Why do we have different parts to the same exam like MCQs and OSCEs?; How do colleges decide who has passed or not?; Why can people pick their own assessors for their MSF?; The role of formative assessment Portfolios and their value. The book avoids jargon, is clear and succinct, and gives the pros and cons of the different assessment processes.

Mike Davis, Consultant in Continuing Medical Education, Blackpool, UK

Kirsty Forrest, Clinical Education Advisor, Yorkshire and Humber Deanery, Research and Evaluation Study Skills (RESS formally SSC) Co-Chair, University of Leeds, Consultant Anaesthetist, Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust, Leeds, UK

Judy McKimm, Dean and Professor of Medical Education, Swansea University, Swansea, UK

Acknowledgements vii

About the authors viii

Foreword x

Preface xii

Chapter 1 Purpose of assessment 1

Chapter 2 Principles of assessment 24

Chapter 3 E-assessment the use of computer-based technologies in assessment 41

Chapter 4 Feedback 53

Chapter 5 Portfolios 68

Chapter 6 Revalidation 81

Chapter 7 Assessment types: Part 1 94

Chapter 8 Assessment types: Part 2 110

Chapter 9 Programmatic assessment 126

Chapter 10 Conclusion 134

Index 137