Adding random case analysis to direct observation (ARCADO) - Updating the external clinical teaching visit to improve general practice registrar assessments.

Background: In response to the advent of competency-based training and the increase in the number of general practice registrars, the Australian general practice education community is seeking valid, reliable, time-efficient and cost-efficient tools to assess registrars. Despite the central role of the external clinical teaching visit (ECTV) in formative assessment of general practice registrars, the ECTV has been an infrequent subject of research or evaluation.

Objective: The objective of this article is to report on the development of a new approach to ECTV that adds random case analysis to direct observation of consultations - ARCADO ECTV.

Discussion: ARCADO ECTV is a flexible, acceptable and time-efficient formative assessment. The two assessment approaches in the ARCADO ECTV provide complementary insights into the registrar's performance. At least three observed consultations are required to ensure adequate assessment of communications skills. Medical records need to be of recent consultations. There is scope for development of the ARCADO ECTV as a summative assessment.