Evidence-based evolution of the high stakes postgraduate intensive care examination in Australia and New Zealand

Abstract

The fellowship examination for intensive care medicine in Australia and New Zealand, first held in 1979, has undergone four major periods of development and change since inception. These periods are characterised as: 1. 1979 to 1996--initiation and establishment of the exam as a relevant and comprehensive assessment process for a new specialty. 2. 1997 to 2001--revision to increase breadth of coverage, increase reliability for a growing number of candidates and ensure that each candidate received the same exam: Expansion: to incorporate assessment of CanMEDS skills (including communication, procedures and professional qualities). Lengthening: to increase the number of exposures, to ensure re..