Performance of ethnic minority versus White doctors in the MRCGP assessment 2016–2021: a cross-sectional study

• DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2022.0474
• Publication Date: 2023-02-01T15:41:08Z
• Authors: Aloysius Niroshan...; Vanessa Botan; Nicki Williams; Kim Emerson; Fiona Kameen; Lindsey Pope; Adrian Freeman; Graham Law
• Keywords: Specialty; Cross-sectional study

Background Differential attainment has previously been suggested as being due to subjective bias because of racial discrimination in clinical skills assessments. Aim To investigate differential all UK general practice licensing tests comparing ethnic minority with White doctors. Design and setting Observational study doctors GP specialty training the UK. Method Data were analysed from doctors’ selection 2016 end training, linking selection, licensing, demographic data develop multivariable logistic regression models. Predictors pass rates identified for each assessment. Results A total 3429 entering included, different sex (female 63.81% versus male 36.19%), group (White British 53.95%, 43.04%, mixed 3.01%), country primary medical qualification (UK 76.76% non-UK 23.24%), declared disability (disability 11.98% not 88.02%). Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment (MSRA) scores highly predictive end-point assessments, including Applied Knowledge Test (AKT), Clinical Skills (CSA), Recorded Consultation (RCA), Workplace-Based (WPBA) Annual Review Competency Progression (ARCP). Ethnic did significantly better compared AKT (odds ratio [OR] 2.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03 4.10, P 0.042). There no significant differences on other assessments: CSA (OR 0.72, CI 0.43 1.20, 0.201), RCA 0.48, 0.18 1.32, 0.156), or WPBA—ARCP 0.70, 0.49 1.01, 0.057). Conclusion background reduce chance passing once sex, place qualification, disability, MSRA accounted for.