Congratulations to our newly qualified
NQEMT- EMTs, Well Done!
First National Examination.
The examinations were conducted over a period of three days during October 2002, the venues for the examinations were, The O'Brien Institute, (Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre) and the National Ambulance Training School, Phoenix Park.
It would be fair to say there was a lot of apprehension associated with this exam by all parties, as it was the first National Examination. A major change contained in the PHECC establishment order was the transfer of responsibility for conducting the examination from the Training Institutions to PHECC as the statutory body.
There were concerns among all participants, particularly the candidates, being the first group of students who were testing a new system and new methodologies. However, this was to be expected, as we all know examinations can stir trepidation in the best of us, without the daunting factor of a new exam process. The good news, all parties were satisfied that the new exam was a fair process that did test the candidates. The results of the examination were also very encouraging with some 87% of candidates not re-sitting any aspect of the examination. - "Well Done". A breakdown and analysis if the results contained in this news letter.
Learning Curve for All
It was indeed a learning process for all involved. The examiners were entering into a new process, requiring complete objectivity in their marking of knowledge and skills, which was a valuable learning experience for them.
The Training Institutions were also in a new position. Understandably they were a little uncomfortable with an external statutory agency taking over their Institution. In addition to this, it was the first time that their students were being examined by an external agency and there were perceived associated implications for them.
From the PHECC viewpoint this was a whole new venture, as it was the first examination of any sort that has been conducted by the PHECC. In summary, all PHECC staff experienced a steep learning curve in relation to developing, conducting and assessing a national examination.
Review of Process
The entire examination process is and will always be the subject of continuing review and improvement. This is a structured process, which will involve engaging the appropriate Standing Committees within PHECC. It will also involve consultation with all the parties involved in the examinations especially the candidates, the examiners, and the Training Institutions. During this process some of the areas, which were evaluated, were; - quality and content, - the role of the examiners, - syllabus content, - the question banks for both MCQs and True/False and a review of the skills sheets.
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These were detailed evaluations and the results will be incorporated into the next exam. The administrative support arrangements with respect to the running of the exam and issues such as location, role of training institutions and communications between PHECC and the candidates were also reviewed. A third factor incorporated wi thin the review process, which was probably the most important one was the feedback from participants. Detailed studies were conducted of the comments from the candidates, examiners and PHECC staff. As a standards body PHECC recognises that there is always room for improvements.
External Evaluation
PHECC is responsible for the setting and the maintenance of standards in the field of Pre-Hospital Emergency Care. Consequently it is intrinsically linked to the setting of standards in examinations. As a standards body that subject candidates to an examination process it is only right and proper that PHECC itself also be willing to submit itself to external examination of its processes.
To this end PHECC engaged the services of Professor Paul Finucane, Director of Competence Assurance with the Medical Council to oversee, review, and evaluate the PHECC examination process. Professor Finucane compiled a detailed report, which involved examination and review of each and every stage of the examination. This evaluation was detailed and comprehensive and contained recommendations for further improvements in the future. The report was complimentary to the whole process and indeed it was an assurance to all those involved.
In his concluding remarks Professor Finucane stated, "Overall, the NQEMT examination is comprehensive, valid, reliable and fair. It is both well planned and well conducted. All connected with the examination can take pride in what they have achieved. However no examination can be perfect, it is hoped that the recommendations contained in this report will help the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council in their efforts to make a very good examination even better."
Team Effort
The success of the first NQEMT examinations run by PHECC in October 2002 can be attributed to many factors especially hard work and dedication.
It would be remiss of us not to acknowledge the work of:
- EMTs who contributed to question writing.
- Examiners for the quality of their work.
- Training Institutions for their professional approach, facilita tion and help.
- Trainee EMTs for their patience and contributions.
- PHECC staff for their hard work and professional standards.
Council and PHECC committees for their support and guidance.
Truly, it has been a team effort.
In conclusion, once again ...
... Congratulations to our newly qualified NQEMT - EMTs, Well Done!
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