Professional Performance Assessment (New)

Overview

The assessment of performance by the supervisor is fundamental to continuing satisfactory progression. Each accredited position has an approved surgical supervisor. The supervisor is responsible for the supervision and assessment of the trainee(s) in that position(s).

For trainees commencing on the SET Program in Neurosurgery in the 2012 training year the in-training assessment will be replaced with the Professional Performance Assessment (PPA) Report. The PPA report is focused on minimum standards of behaviour and attitudes (this assessment tool does not focus specifically clinical skills, technical skills and knowledge). A copy of the new PPA Report can be downloaded below.

When are Professional Performance Assessment Reports Required?

Completion of the Professional Performance Assessment (PPA) Report, on the prescribed form, must be submitted at the end of each three month period during SET1 and SET2 (also known as Basic Neurosurgery Training under the new SET Program structure). The PPA Report may also be completed more frequently at the request of the Board (see Section 4 of the Regulations) or at any time as determined by the supervisor where any area of unsatisfactory performance is identified. The due dates for submission are available in the downloaded below.

What is the rating scale in the Professional Performance Assessment Report?

The standards in the PPA Report are the minimum standards the Board would expect trainees to have prior to entering SET, and therefore this assessment is not expected to be onerous for the vast majority of trainees. The minimum standards must be maintained or exceeded at all times during SET Program by trainees.

For each assessment area within the PPA Report, guidelines of what would be considered the minimum acceptable standard of performance are provided. The guidelines are some common examples and are not exhaustive. Unsatisfactory performance includes all unethical or improper conduct and also includes the types of honest mistakes, errors of judgement and poor standards in service delivery which give rise to legitimate concern. The rating scale is as follows:

• S – Satisfactory
• U – Unsatisfactory

Please refer to the Regulations for detailed information on the In Training Assessment Report requirement which can be downloaded below. Any rating of Unsatisfactory in the PPA Report will result in remedial action in accordance with the Regulations.

Further Information and Forms

Form Due Dates

Professional Performance Assessment

SET Program Regulations (existing structure)

SET Program Regulations (new structure for 2012 onwards only)