Person-task-context: a model for designing curriculum and in-training assessment in postgraduate education

Structured curricula for senior house officers have often been lacking. The aim of this study was to trial a person–task–context model in designing a curriculum and in-training assessment (ITA) programme for SHOs in internal medicine. A working group designed the programme based on triangulation of information from interviews with trainees and programme directors, analysis of patient case mix and national quality assurance data. The interview data showed that the main difference currently between trainee levels was in expected degree of responsibility for patient management rather than in actual tasks. Key learning needs were how to take a structured approach to the tasks and get an overview of situations. SHOs expressed a need for explicit learning goals and standards of performance. SHOs requested formal teaching in non-medical aspects of competence such as communication, interpersonal skills and professionalism. This article points out how consideration of the type of trainees involved, the tasks they ...