We are seeking volunteers to write questions for the forthcoming pilot of Knowledge Testing for Specialist Registrars.

This initiative comes from the JCHMT in anticipation of Knowledge Testing becoming a requirement for Higher Trainees in the future. The project has the full support of the Geriatric Medicine SAC and the BGS Education and Training Committee, and an assessment board has been set up with members drawn from those committees. Other specialties involved in the pilot are cardiology, neurology and possibly gastroenterology. All specialties will need to put in place some form of Knowledge Testing in the long run.

The questions will be in ‘best of five’ format, similar to other Royal College MCQ examinations, and expertise from the RCP (London) is being utilised to co-ordinate the project and to give training and guidance on the writing and validation of questions. We will probably also work closely with the DGM committee. Eventually we are aiming to generate a bank of about 1000 questions, with some turnover, for long-term use, though for the pilot we will not need such a high number.

We will be very pleased to enlist colleagues with some experience of MCQ question construction, though enthusiastic geriatricians without prior training are most welcome to come forward as there will be ample support.

Those interested should contact me for further information on one of the following addresses:

Tel: 01202 704539
Fax: 01202 704542

Post: The Royal Bournemouth Hospital
Castle Lane East
Bournemouth
Dorset
BH7 7DW

I look forward to hearing from you

Stephen Allen
Chair, Knowledge Testing Group of the SAC