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Assessing the predictive validity of the UCAT — a systematic review and narrative synthesis

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Bala, Laksha, Pedder, Stephen, Sam, Amir H. and Brown, Celia A. (2022) Assessing the predictive validity of the UCAT — a systematic review and narrative synthesis. Medical Teacher, 44 (4). pp. 401-409. doi:10.1080/0142159x.2021.1998401 ISSN 0142-159X.

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/0142159x.2021.1998401

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Abstract

Background:
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is an admissions assessment used by a consortium of universities across the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, to aid the selection of applicants to medical and dental degree programmes. The UCAT aims to measure the mental aptitude and professional behaviours required to become successful doctors and dentists. We conducted a systematic review to establish the predictive value of the UCAT across measures of performance at undergraduate and post-graduate levels.

Methods:
A literature search was conducted in April 2020 using eight electronic databases: MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, SCOPUS, Web of Science, EThOS, OpenGrey, PROSPERO, and the UCAT website. Data were extracted from selected studies and tabulated as results matrices. A narrative synthesis was performed.

Results:
Twenty-four studies satisfied our inclusion criteria, 23 of which were deemed to be of good quality (using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale). For over 70% of univariate data points, the UCAT exerted no statistically significant predictive validity; for the remainder, predictive power was weak. The cognitive total and verbal reasoning subtests had the largest evidence base as weakly positive predictors of academic performance. The SJT subtest was a weak predictor of professional behaviour during medical school. Studies specific to dental schools demonstrated variable findings across the five studies. Only 1 study looked at post-graduate outcome measures and demonstrated that the UCAT was not a predictor of health- or conduct-related fitness to practice declarations at GMC registration.

Conclusions:
These data provide some support for the use of cognitive total and verbal reasoning subtests as part of medical school selection. Further research is needed to investigate outcomes beyond professional registration and for dental students.

Item Type: Journal Article
Subjects: R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Divisions: Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine > Medicine > Warwick Medical School > Health Sciences
Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine > Medicine > Warwick Medical School
SWORD Depositor: Library Publications Router
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): UK Clinical Aptitude Test, UK Clinical Aptitude Test -- Examinations, questions, etc, Medical colleges -- Great Britain -- Entrance examinations, Dental schools -- Great Britain -- Entrance examinations
Journal or Publication Title: Medical Teacher
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISSN: 0142-159X
Official Date: 2022
Dates:
DateEvent
2022Published
23 November 2021Available
Volume: 44
Number: 4
Page Range: pp. 401-409
DOI: 10.1080/0142159x.2021.1998401
Status: Peer Reviewed
Publication Status: Published
Access rights to Published version: Open Access (Creative Commons)
Date of first compliant deposit: 12 January 2022
Date of first compliant Open Access: 13 January 2022
RIOXX Funder/Project Grant:
Project/Grant IDRIOXX Funder NameFunder ID
UNSPECIFIEDNational Institute for Health Researchhttp://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100000272

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