20 April 2023

Assessment update

We have heard some members’ concerns following the College’s decision to discontinue the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), prompted by our recent communique.

We are mindful of the various views within the membership and have been collating ang theming these since our initial consultations in 2022. Our way ahead will be guided and informed by this feedback. We would like to assure members that we continue to consult with a broad range of stakeholders to develop a new program of assessments. Through collaboration, we hope to achieve an innovative model of assessments which builds on experiential training and fosters the learning process, with minimum extra burdens on our stretched workforce. We understand the importance of maintaining rigour and standards in our assessments, and there will be an opportunity to discuss an appropriate balance of summative components, the use of external assessment validation, and consider the best options for summative assessments in the new program of assessments.

We are also committed to meeting our trainees’ and SIMGs needs and listening to their voices.

At the stakeholder forum held on 17 June 2022, the College agreed to the following educational principles to underpin any long-term assessment strategy:

• Educational value and patient safety
• Use of both evidence and expert opinion in making outcome determinations
• Feasibility
• Well-being and support for all stakeholders
• Competence as a narrative
• Longitudinal assessment
• Front-loading
• Concepts of fairness for trainees and SIMGs
• Acknowledge major change implications

The next stakeholder consultation forum on 28 April will enable robust discussions and seek views on possible options for an assessment program going forward. The stakeholder consultation process brings together the considerable expertise we have within the fellowship, College staff and external specialist medical college educationalists. There are currently several educational projects led by College Fellows that are relevant to our discussions and assessment development. 

I would like to make clear that there has been no assessment model decided. These stakeholder forums provide an avenue for consideration, feedback and genuine co-development. We may require further workshops to consult and determine what steps the College will be taking on future assessment strategy. We will ensure that updates on direction and planning are provided to keep our membership better informed and engaged.

Following any consultation we will work closely with members, educational experts within the fellowship and external medical educators, to guide development of a model that is supported by sound rationale and modelling. We encourage all members to continue to provide feedback and engage in respectful debate on this important endeavour for the College.

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT)

The College’s PAT Steering Group, led by Prof Richard Harvey, has now been finalised. The group met last week and noted the broad interest in this area, and the importance of keeping members informed of the work being undertaken. On Thursday 27 April, Prof Harvey and I will participate in a live member webinar to outline the College’s position and role, and address member queries. You can also submit your questions to us before the webinar via the ‘Questions & Comments’ text box in the registration form.

Prof Harvey and I also met with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and discussed treatment settings, Good Manufacturing Practice and holistic care. The TGA has published a blog explaining the strict controls in place to ensure patient safety. You can view this and other resources on the College’s PAT Information Hub.

Call for applications: Editor, Australasian Psychiatry

The College is inviting applications for the position of Editor, Australasian Psychiatry and I encourage all members with an interest in scholarly publishing to consider applying.

The current Editor, Professor Vlasios Brakoulias, will conclude his time in the role in early 2024. Australasian Psychiatry is a highly regarded international journal which has developed significantly under Professor Brakoulias’ leadership. The College is deeply appreciative of his substantial contributions since taking on the role in 2014.

Branch activities

There’s been much activity occurring in our state and territory branches.

The Queensland Branch has been liaising with the Chief Medical Officer regarding mandating a psychiatry rotation for all junior medical officers. In Victoria, the Branch Chair, Astha Tomar, and CEO, Sharon McGowan, met with the newly appointed Mental Health and Wellbeing Commissioners.

The ACT Branch is preparing a submission in relation to Voluntary Assisted Dying. The Tasmanian Branch is working on the consultation on firearms and preparing its pre-budget submission.

The NT Branch Chair, Dr David Chapman, recently met with the Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention to discuss access to emergency care. The NSW Branch has welcomed the new government and is planning a meeting with the new Minister for Mental Health.

And lastly, submissions are being finalised in Western Australia to the Independent Governance Review of the Health Services Act 2016, and in South Australia for the 2023–24 state budget.

South Australian Branch conference

The South Australian Branch held its annual conference, Building for the future, on Saturday 1 April. Keynote speakers included Professor Malcom Battersby, RANZCP 2023 Medlicott Award Winner, Dr Rosemary Williams, and past president of the Australian Psychological Society, Ms Tamara Cavenett. I thank everyone involved and congratulate the Branch on hosting this successful event.

WPA 2023 Regional Congress

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the World Psychiatric Association’s (WPA) 2023 Regional Congress in Kolkata where I presented on Mental health demand – Alternative solutions to address the crisis, and participated in a special session on Bridging treatment gap in south Asian context - Public mental health approach. It was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with my peers in India and hear about developments in the region.

It also provided opportunities for our ongoing engagement with the member societies of the Asian Federation of Psychiatric Associations of which we are an important member.

And finally, Eid Mubarak to all those who are celebrating it later this week.

As always, I welcome you contacting me at president@ranzcp.org.




Associate Professor Vinay Lakra
President