A systematic approach to workplace-based assessment for international medical graduates.

OBJECTIVES To test whether a summative workplace-based assessment (WBA) is feasible and acceptable for international medical graduates (IMGs). DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS A 6-month trial with 27 IMGs from teaching hospitals in Newcastle, Australia. IMGs were assessed by 65 trained assessors from different disciplines, using blueprinted, preset criteria. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Mini-clinical evaluation exercises, case-based discussions, in-training assessments and multisource feedback. At the end of the trial, assessors and candidates gave feedback. RESULTS All IMGs were successful at the end of the assessment. The format was well received and acceptable to the candidates and assessors. CONCLUSIONS WBA is feasible and acceptable to assessors and candidates for assessment of IMGs, but it is intensive in use of resources and time.