Effect of extension of postgraduate training in general practice on the acquisition of knowledge of trainees.

Background: Postgraduate training in general practice aims to develop clinical competence. However, little is known about its effect on trainees' development of competence.

Objective: Our aim was to investigate whether 3 years of postgraduate training in general practice leads to a higher level of knowledge than 2 years training while maintaining the same structure and educational objectives.

Comparison of a rational and an empirical standard setting procedure for an OSCE. Objective structured clinical examinations.

Purpose: Earlier studies of absolute standard setting procedures for objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) show inconsistent results. This study compared a rational and an empirical standard setting procedure. Reliability and credibility were examined first.

Predictive validity of a written knowledge test of skills for an OSCE in postgraduate training for general practice.

Purpose: To examine the validity of a written knowledge test of skills for performance on an OSCE in postgraduate training for general practice.

Methods: A randomly-selected sample of 47 trainees in general practice took a knowledge test of skills, a general knowledge test and an OSCE. The OSCE included technical stations and stations including complete patient encounters.