Interview domains and scoring guidance

Applicants will be assessed and scored on a set of domains in relation to a clinical scenario and a general interview.

Interview domain and scoring guidance documents will be available on this page in due course.

The two stations are:

• Clinical Judgement (5 minutes reading time and 15 minutes interview, 15 marks per assessor and 10 marks per assessor for Global Rating, 50 marks in total)
• General Interview (15 minutes, 15 marks per assessor and 10 marks per assessor for Global Rating, 50 marks in total)

The total interview score is out of 100. This is demonstrated in the scoring matrix, which can be found in the Downloads section.

At the end of each online interview day, all scores are reviewed by the panel, the Recruitment Lead, and/or Clinical Lead. Any significant discrepancies in scores between assessors are highlighted and discussed. Where discrepancies in scores are deemed to be justified - specifically, each assessor has scored consistently within set scoring parameters - the score stands; where deemed not to be justified, the score is amended. An amendment is a rare occurrence.

Judgement station (15 minutes)

This station assesses the domains of Clinical Judgement and Decision Making, Reflective Practice and Working Under Pressure. These have equal weighting and score each. This is per assessor. Each assessor will also give a global rating score (see below).

Applicants will be given a clinical scenario prior to entering the interview room. The applicant will have 5 minutes preparation time to read and digest the information. Applicants may take notes during this time. The clinical scenario will have information added in by the Assessor at various points for the applicant to consider.

General interview station (15 minutes)

This station assesses the domains of Communication, Commitment to Specialty and Teamwork. These have equal weighting and score each per assessor. Each assessor will also give a global rating score (see below).

Applicants will be asked questions around their training to date and commitment to specialty. Some questions will their experience on working in and leading teams. Their wider knowledge of the NHS and its influence on Anaesthesia as a specialty covered in this station.

Global rating score

This relates to the assessor’s professional judgement of the overall performance of the applicant across the interview station. A global rating score is awarded per assessor in both the clinical and general interview stations. This is scored out of 10 per assessor.

Further information on this domain can be found in the appropriate scoring guidance document available in the Downloads section.

Appointability

For an applicant to be deemed appointable, they need to score a minimum of 60 out of 100 in the online interview.

The applicants Scaled MSRA score will then be combined with their interview score. For further information on scores and ranks, please refer to Offers page. 

If an applicant is given a Global Rating score of 1 from each of the assessors in one of the stations, the applicant will potentially be vetoed. However, an applicant could score two 1s and a decision made not to veto. A discussion between the assessors and the Clinical Lead will take place for any applicants who could potentially be vetoed, and the final decision will rest with the Clinical Lead. 

Applicants can score above the national cut-off and still be vetoed out of the process for serious concerns around behaviour, performance, and dangerous decisions. Vetoed applicants will not be considered for appointment in any region. 

• 'Serious concerns' indicated on the scoresheet on any station by either or both assessors (Serious concerns will only be indicated if an applicant’s response to a scenario highlights genuine patient safety issues, probity concerns or behaviours that could not be easily modified in their early training).
• Low scores of 25% (or next highest denomination based on scoring structure) on any station by either or both Assessors. This may result in a referral to the applicant's Responsible Officer, where applicable. If the applicant is not currently employed in the UK, the Lead Postgraduate Dean may be notified.

A discussion between the assessors and the Clinical Lead will take place for any applicant who has any of the above concerns raised before a final decision is made.