SPECIALIST PORTFOLIO ASSESSMENT A Personal Perspective Linda Kane

SPECIALIST PORTFOLIO ASSESSMENT A Personal Perspective Linda Kane Senior Specialist Biomedical Scientist Immunocytochemistry Pathology Department Southern General Hospital Glasgow

PREPARATION • When making arrangements with the Training Officer I check that there is only one lever arch folder • I also request a copy of the signed statement by the Laboratory Manager in advance • Having a preview of the candidates scope of practice helps with preparing appropriate questions beforehand • I inform the Training Officer of my travel arrangements and approximate arrival time

MEETING THE CANDIDATE • Not the image I want to put across • They will be nervous so I try to put them at ease

FORMAT OF ASSESSMENT 1 • 15 min presentation • This is a reflective practice exercise 2 • 1 hour assessment of portfolio • This is a verification process 3 • 1 hour laboratory tour • This is an assessment 4 • Feedback session • Pass or fail

PRESENTATION • 15 – 20 minute Power. Point presentation followed by questions • Time is a standard to be met • I explain before the candidate starts the presentation that I will be taking notes • I use them as reminders of points that I want to ask questions about

PRESENTATION • • Better ones personalise Enthusiasm comes through Gives rise to questions Very often get more relaxed flow of information from a question or two at end • Give the candidate some reassurance that presentation was ok

KEEPING A RECORD • Once candidate leaves I record any comments on the Presentation before going to the next step – the Portfolio

PORTFOLIO VERIFICATION • This is a verification similar to Registration Portfolio • Essentially an auditor to review evidence and confirm that evidence meets IBMS portfolio standards • Assessor is checking that all relevant material is present and appropriately signed off • I do the checklist first then pay more attention to the content • Should take 1 hour • I record any comments before embarking on the laboratory tour • I use portfolio content to supplement questions for laboratory tour

LABORATORY TOUR q Approx 1 hour q I ask questions relating to all aspects of techniques, equipment, quality, H & S q I take a notebook with me as a prompt and explain to the candidate that I use it as a reminder q This is the candidate’s opportunity to demonstrate what they do and what they know

LABORATORY TOUR q Candidates tend to find this most nerve-wracking part q Encouragement and prompting can help

ASSESSMENT: OUTCOME • I tend to give the candidate my recommendation before going into feedback • I don’t prolong the agony • I explain how long I have to submit the report and that the certificate will be sent out by the IBMS

ASSESSMENT: FEEDBACK • We are also there to confirm that the candidate receives sufficient resources and support to enable them to meet the requirements of the portfolio • Any concerns should be addressed constructively

REPORT • As soon as possible after the assessment • Still fresh in my mind

CHALLENGES • 2 Assessments in 1 day • Concentration • Time management

PRO’s and CON’s • Time-consuming • Rely on good will of laboratory manager • Travel

PRO’s and CON’s PRO’s • Rewarding • CPD • KSF • Visit other laboratories • See different approaches • Share knowledge

Any Questions?