Direct Observation of Procedural Skills
This webpage will be retired in the coming weeks. In the future, all work-based learning and assessment information and resources will be found in your training handbook.
What is the Direct Observation of Procedural Skills?
The Direct Observation of Procedural Skills is an evidence-based assessment used to guide trainee learning and competency.
An Advanced Trainee performs a procedure on a patient in the workplace, observed by an experienced and knowledgeable assessor who observes the trainee’s performance.
The assessor provides feedback to the trainee to help identify learning needs and plan future learning opportunities. The assessor gives feedback in a structured manner by breaking up the procedure into skill-related areas. Feedback on each area can be of greater value than feedback on the overall procedure as the assessor can pinpoint areas for improvement to focus future learning.
Who completes the Direct Observation of Procedural Skills?
Direct Observation of Procedural Skills is a requirement of some Advanced Training programs.
See each Advanced Training Program specialty page for more information about assessment requirements.
What are the areas for assessment?
A Direct Observation of Procedural Skills is used to assess a number of areas, including:
- Understanding of indications, relevant anatomy, technique of procedure
- Pre-procedure preparation
- Patient and risk awareness
- Technical ability
- Post-procedure management
- Communication skills
How do I complete the Direct Observation of Procedural Skills?
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Negotiate a procedure with your assessor for the Direct Observation of Procedural Skills assessment
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Provide your assessor with a copy of the:
- Direct Observation of Procedural Skills Rating Form
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The assessor observes you while you perform a procedure
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The assessor provides you with feedback on the procedure
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Enter the data from the completed Direct Observation of Procedural Skills rating form into the online Direct Observation of Procedural Skills tool via your training portal:
- Advanced Training Portal
- AFRM Portal
- AFPHM Portal
- AFOEM Portal
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Submit a copy of the completed form to your assessor using the Direct Observation of Procedural Skills online tool
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For more information on completing the Direct Observation of Procedural Skills assessment, see the:
Contact us
Australia
Advanced Training
Phone: +61 02 9256 5445
Advanced Trainees: AdvancedTraining@racp.edu.au
New Zealand
Advanced Training
Phone: +64 04 472 6713
Email: AdvancedTraining@racp.org.nz