PROGRESS OF UNITED KINGDOM AND IRELAND IN-TRAINING EXAMINATION (UKITE) IN 2008

Abstract

Introduction: Following successful introduction in 2007, all training programs except two across the UK participated in the examination in 2008. The examination was run along the principles of curriculum based, online delivery with immediate results and providing supportive information for the questions. It remains free of charge as long as the trainee had contributed questions. The project is supported by an educational grant from Depuy, a Johnson and Johnson Company.

Material and Methods: In 2008 trainees from various regions were appointed to a UKITE review board, which creating good quality questions with supportive information. We took on board the feedback from 2007 examination and improved the quality of questions. Some questions from the 2008 examination were reported as ambiguous. The review board met and ambiguous questions were deleted from the exam and scores were recalculated.

Results: 648 trainees took UKITE 2008. The average scores increased up to 5th year SpR and dropped in year 6. Central organisation (86%) and local organisation (90%) were acceptable. 95% felt the examination pages were easy to use. There was difficulty in accessing the examination from NHS networks in some centers on the final day. 95% found there was educational benefit and 99% would like to sit again in 2009.

In the feedback from UKITE 2008, 85% of trainees felt it was better quality than 2007. The trainees wanted more questions on clinical situations. Those approaching the FRCS examination are interested in using the database towards preparation for the real examination. Some enthusiastic trainees would like the facility to submit questions early. We aim to improve on these in 2009.

In 2009 we also aim to open the examination for other surgical specialties and international trainees through elogbook.org.

Conclusion: UKITE has made progress in 2008. We aim to improve it further in 2009.