Assessment of Shortcomings of Candidates in the Fellowship of College of Physicians and Surgeons (FCPS)-II (Board/Exit) Examination: A Qualitative Analysis of Dermatology Candidates’ Short and Long Cases With Suggestions for Improvement

TL;DR

This study identifies common mistakes made by dermatology candidates in a medical board exam and offers suggestions to improve their performance.

Contribution

The study provides qualitative insights and actionable suggestions to improve clinical performance in dermatology board exams.

Findings

Candidates showed poor history taking, examination, and time management skills.

Updated knowledge and presentation skills were lacking in long cases.

Suggestions included focusing on instructions, patient privacy, and better training.

Abstract

Background

Clinical examination is the final step for the assessment of a candidate in the Fellowship of College of Physicians and Surgeons-II exam and several stressors are associated with it. After a certain level, the stressors and myths related to this exam increase the chances of poor performance. This study aimed to identify the shortcomings of candidates’ short and long cases with suggestions for improvement.

Methodology

This qualitative research with a thematic analysis approach was conducted at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan, Regional Center, Lahore. The data were collected from 20 examiners who assessed 88 candidates’ short and long cases of dermatology through observation and cross-questioning.

Results

The major themes that emerged with more subcategories were poor history taking, poor examination, and poor time management while updated knowledge, rationalization, and enhancement of presentation skills were also highlighted in long cases. The major suggestions to improve the short and long cases were to focus on the command given, maintain the privacy of the patient, and improve training.

Conclusions

This study highlighted many major shortcomings the candidates showed while performing the long and short cases which may facilitate the forthcoming candidates to avoid these weaknesses by following the suggestions for improvements.