2025 Learning, teaching, and assessment programs

12 x learning captures per phase of training, minimum 1 per month (reduced to 4 x learning captures for 2025 only, minimum of 1 every 3 months).

Refer to RACP Flexible Training Policy for further information on part-time training (item 4.2)

The learning capture is a work-based assessment that involves a trainee capturing, and reflecting on, professional development activities, including evidence of work-based learning linked to specific learning goals.

The learning capture assists trainees to reflect on experiences, promotes critical thinking, and connects these to a trainee’s learning goals and professional development. It is also a valuable mechanism for trainees to enhance their understanding of complex topics and less common experiences that may be difficult to encounter in traditional training.

The learning capture is completed via TMP under the assessment requirements tab.

For more information on how to complete a learning capture review the training resources.

4 x observation captures per phase of training, minimum 1 every 3 months.

Refer to RACP Flexible Training Policy for further information on part-time training (item 4.2)

An observation capture is a work-based assessment which provides a structured process for trainees to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in real-time workplace situations, while assessors observe and evaluate performance.

The purpose of the observation capture is to assess skill development, track progress, and provide targeted feedback for improvement for trainees against specific learning goals.

Observation captures are completed via TMP under the assessment requirements tab.

For more information on how to complete an observation capture review the training resources.

2 x progress reports per phase of training, minimum 1 every 6 months, or 1 every 3 months if the trainee changes rotations or is on a Training Support pathway.

Refer to RACP Flexible Training Policy for further information on part-time training (item 4.2)

A progress report is an assessment that documents trainees’ and supervisors’ assessment of trainee progress against the training program learning goals over a period of training.

Progress reports assess knowledge and skill development, track progress against the phase criteria, and provide targeted feedback for improvement.

Progress reports will be completed using TMP from mid-2025. Instructions on how to complete a progress report during the first half of 2025 will be available in early 2025.

Until then, Trainees and Rotation Supervisors have the option to use a hard copy Rotation Progress Report (template) for rotations in the first six months of 2025, if needed.

Note: Once reports are available in TMP, this hard copy report will no longer be accepted.

1 x cardiothoracic surgery (CTS) progress report, completed by the end of Advanced Training.

The CTS progress report documents trainees’ CTS training.

Trainees must complete 2 x quarantined full weeks’ attachment to a cardiothoracic surgical unit at a minimum. CTS training can be completed through a 1-week attachment across 2 years of training. Variations can be made to suit staffing requirements of individual cardiology and surgical units. Trainees based in Aotearoa New Zealand can complete the requirement during their CTS rotation.

Trainees are expected to complete and record evidence of the minimum requirements in:

• coronary artery bypass grafting
• valve surgery
• ICU/CICU ward rounds
• unit meetings
• brief case presentations

One rotation supervisor and a surgical supervisor are to provide formal feedback on the trainee’s performance.

CTS training allows trainees to gain an awareness of the nature of cardiothoracic surgery, the management of patients before, during and after surgery and to gain an appreciation of the nature of the collaboration between cardiologists and cardiac surgeons involved in assessing and managing their patients.

Trainees are to document their CTS training in the CTS progress report.

One rotation supervisor and a surgical supervisor are to provide formal feedback to the trainee and complete their section of the report.

Trainees are to submit the report to cardiology@racp.edu.au (Australia) or cardiology@racp.org.nz (Aotearoa New Zealand) by the end of Advanced Training.

1 x research project over the course of Advanced Training.

The research project should be one with which the trainee has had significant involvement in designing, conducting the research and analysing data. Trainees may work as part of a larger research project but must have significant input into a particular aspect of the study.

Research projects are not required to be specialty-specific but are required to be broadly relevant to trainees’ area of specialty. Broadly relevant can be defined as topics that can enhance, complement and inform trainees’ practice in the chosen specialty.

Three types of research projects are accepted:

• Research in human subjects, populations and communities or laboratory research
• Audit
• Systematic review

The trainee must have a research project supervisor who may or may not be one of their rotation supervisors

The research project is marked by the training committee as Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory and trainees receive qualitative feedback about their project. The research project should be submitted for marking by the end of the specialty consolidation phase to allow time for resubmission in the transition to Fellowship phase if the project is unsatisfactory.

The research project enabled trainees to gain experience in research methods; in interpretation of research literature; in participation in research at some stage of their career; and to develop quality improvement skills. Submission of a research project provides evidence of the skills of considering and defining research problems; the systematic acquisition, analysis, synthesis and interpretation of data; and effective written communication.

Detailed information on how to complete the research project can be found in the Advanced Training research project guidelines.

Email research project submissions to Research.Project@racp.edu.au by one of the following deadlines:

Australia: 31 March, 15 June, or 15 September.

Aotearoa New Zealand: 31 March, 15 June, or 15 December.