The MRCGP Clinical Skills Assessment: an integrative review of evidence

Kathleen McLoughlin, Lindsey Pope, Elaine Walsh, Aisling Jennings, Tony Foley

Background Successful completion of all three components of the Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners UK (MRCGP) is required for a doctor to practise independently as a general practitioner (GP). One component, the Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA), is a high fidelity, high stakes examination designed to provide an objective external assessment of clinical skills. Aim The aim of this integrative review was to identify, critically appraise and synthesise published empirical evidence on the CSA to identify areas for further inquiry or future collaboration. Design and setting An integrative review of empirical literature focused on the MRCGP CSA. Method A search strategy was developed to conduct an integrative review of empirical published literature. The quality of studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Results 11 of the 31 records reviewed were included. Studies were heterogeneous looking at the use of simulated patients, child actors and mock CSAs. Variables contributing to performance on the CSA, with a particular emphasis on the International Medical Graduate, were identified. Conclusion A small pool of published evidence regarding the CSA exists, focused on factors influencing CSA performance. Future research could explore the effectiveness of interventions to improve performance on the CSA and use robust measures to consider candidates' experience of the CSA.