SAQ exam marking The marking scheme is as

SAQ exam marking

The marking scheme is as follows: • Each question will have a set number of required responses, which are clearly indicated on the paper. • Each response has a single mark allocated to it. A correct or appropriately similar response scores the mark. An incorrect or substandard response scores zero. Half marks are not to be allocated. • If the instructions for a sub-question ask for a specific number of responses, then only that number of answers should be marked. For example, if a question asks a candidate to list 5 points, but they list more than 5, then only the first 5 listed will be marked. All other responses will be ignored (even if they contain the most important answer or a serious error/dangerous response). Each line should contain one response, all additional responses on this line even if correct will be ignored (even if they contain the most important answer or a serious error/dangerous response).

• In some questions, the candidate will be asked to provide a justification for one of their answers. • This tests the competencies of decision making, found in the prioritisation and decision making domain of the curriculum framework, and is testing consultant level thinking. • When a justification is required, the mark is awarded if it is a consultant level answer. For example, if asked to list an investigation and justify it, no mark will be allocated for a correct investigation if the justification was NOT of an appropriate standard

• Priority/Essential items – some responses may be considered so much more important than others that they are considered essential. This tests the prioritisation competencies found in the prioritisation and decision making domain of the curriculum framework, and is also a part of consultant level thinking. All sub-questions that have this will have the words MOST LIKELY, or MOST IMPORTANT, or something similar in the wording. • The candidate MUST include these items in order to score full marks for the subsection. E. g. If a question asks for 5 responses (5 marks) but 2 are considered essential, then both must be mentioned along with any three other correct responses to score 5/5. If only one is mentioned the maximum score will be 4/5, and if neither is mentioned the maximum score will be 3/5, even if 5 other correct answers are supplied.

• ED Location- unless explicitly stated otherwise in the question, the emergency department referred to is that of a tertiary hospital with appropriate personnel, equipment and skills mix to perform all necessary and appropriate procedures.

Common factors contribute to a candidate scoring poorly in SAQs. Factor 1 Whole sub-questions of the SAQ had no answer. Factor 2 A significant number of incorrect or irrelevant answers were provided, leaving no space for the required correct answers. Factor 3 The answer used vague or non-consultant level terminology. Factor 4 Some of the mandatory (bolded) answers were missing, meaning the candidate cannot demonstrate prioritisation. Factor 5 The handwriting was illegible to the point it cost the candidate marks. Factor 6 The zero score rule was activated.

When is the zero score rule is activated. • This rule is activated If the candidate makes an error of commission (performs a dangerous treatment or action) or omission (fails to provide an important treatment or action) that could cause serious harm to the patient (or failure of a process, for non-clinical question topics).