An investigation into the HPat medical-school entry exam found similarities between questions on the exam paper and preparatory questions offered by a grinds school.
However, the company which runs the test said “there was surface resemblance only” and no evidence that the test had been compromised.
The Australian Council for Educational Research (Acer), which administers the HPat test used in Ireland, launched the investigation last March after students claimed they were coached through a number of questions which appeared in a section of the exam. The students did a €595 two-day course with MedEntry.
Concerns
Acer said “a detailed psychometric analysis refuted any evidence of prior exposure to the questions”. But “in the absence of full information and in line with standard test scoring processes”, two units – comprising seven questions – “were removed from scoring”.
Medical schools in Ireland have become increasingly concerned about the influence of commercial prep courses on HPat results, and a working group has been set up to review the fairness of the test.
Dr Siún O’Flynn of UCC school of medicine, who chairs the group, said it could not stop students paying for courses but “our agenda would be to try to put them out of the market. One proposal is to make practice material available which is better than what the courses offer.”
Score at four-year low
Dr O’Flynn noted this would lead to a “small” addition to the €115 HPat fee, which includes an advice booklet with solutions to sample questions.
The group will publish its report in November and, while it would give “consideration to the most appropriate test”, Dr O’Flynn said “I can’t see it revert to the Leaving Cert” as the sole basis for selection.
“There is no system in the world which only relies on a school leaving test.”
This year’s HPat (Health Professions Admission Test) results were released on Monday, with the average score at a four-year low. Dr O’Flynn said it was too early to say why but changed question weightings and new rules for repeat students could have influenced the outcome.
Acer said if it“learns that a candidate is passing information to MedEntry ... Acer will deem this ... ‘misconduct’.”
