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Introduction |
Presentation of the Research Evidence
 Introduction
This page is intended to serve as a web-based resource for
accessing key research evidence regarding the GP selection process
which has successfully completed several years of national
recruitment since 2006. Whilst not exhaustive, the research evidence
presented below outlines the development of the GP selection system
and indicates how it follows best practice.
 You may also wish
to read the following article by Simon Plint and Fiona Patterson:
 'Identifying
critical success factors for designing selection processes into
postgraduate specialty training'
(pdf format
- 152kb)
History of the national GP selection system
Prior to the development of the national GP selection system,
research showed that various selection methods were applied across
different deaneries which lacked standardisation. Directors of
Postgraduate GP Education were therefore given responsibility for
developing a selection and training system that ensured the process of
recruitment demonstrates fair and open competition, and observes best
practice in providing equal opportunities for all applicants*.
Subsequently, a collective commitment was made to work towards
standardisation of recruitment methods across deaneries which resulted
in the national process.
The national GP selection system
In keeping with best practice selection from other occupations, a
multi method job analysis was conducted by Professor Fiona Patterson
(Work Psychology Group) and colleagues in 2000. A thorough job analysis
determines the relevant knowledge, skills, abilities and attitudes
associated with competent performance in a job role and informs the
design of selection methods which are accurate (reliable), relevant
(valid), objective and standardised. Currently, the GP selection process
uses national machine markable (MMT) short-listing tests, together with
selection centre methodology, which has been developed incrementally
over seven years. The development and successful implementation of the
MMTs, with clinical problem-solving and situational judgement
components, has been a significant innovation in postgraduate specialty
selection.
Importance of validation studies
Selection processes face unprecedented scrutiny over the next few
years in the UK and general practice has undertaken a long-term
validation of its selection methods to ensure accuracy, fairness and
cost effectiveness. The following research provides a summary of
evidence that shows the national GP selection system is reliable, valid
and fair. Evaluation from the candidate’s perspective (over N=6,000 each
year) consistently demonstrates that applicants have confidence in the
relevance and fairness of the process.
* NHS Executive. (2000)
Enhanced management arrangements for general
practice vocational training. 1999/230 ed,
Presentation of the research evidence
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