RESUMO
Many examinations are now delivered online using digital formats, the migration to which has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The MRCPsych theory examinations have been delivered in this way since Autumn 2020. The multiple choice question formats currently in use are highly reliable, but other formats enabled by the digital platform, such as very short answer questions (VSAQs), may promote deeper learning. Trainees often ask for a focus on core knowledge, and the absence of cueing with VSAQs could help achieve this. This paper describes the background and evidence base for VSAQs, and how they might be introduced. Any new question formats would be thoroughly piloted before appearing in the examinations and are likely to have a phased introduction alongside existing formats.
RESUMO
AIMS: To assess how well the NZ COVID Tracer QR (Quick Response) code poster is displayed by Dunedin businesses and other venues in which groups of people gather indoors, and to calculate the proportions of visitors to those venues who scan the QR code poster. METHODS: We randomly selected 10 cafes, 10 restaurants, 10 bars, five churches, and five supermarkets and visited them at their busiest times. We evaluated the display of QR code posters using a six-item assessment tool that was based on guidance provided to businesses and services by the Ministry of Health, and we counted the number of people who entered each venue during a one-hour period and the number who scanned the QR code poster. RESULTS: All six criteria for displaying QR code posters were met at half of the hospitality venues, four of five churches, and all supermarkets. Scanning proportions were low at all venues (median 10.2%), and at 12 (30%) no visitors scanned; eight of these venues were bars. CONCLUSION: This audit provides a snapshot of the display and scanning of QR code posters in a city with no managed isolation and quarantine facilities and where no COVID-19 cases have been detected for 10 months.