Presentation Description
Jesper Dalum1
Gunilla Sandborgh Englund1, Anders Själander2 and Magnus Hultin2
1 Karolinska Institutet
2 Umeå University
Gunilla Sandborgh Englund1, Anders Själander2 and Magnus Hultin2
1 Karolinska Institutet
2 Umeå University
Background
In 2016, a common pathway for international healthcare professionals (IHPGs) from outside the European Union was established in Sweden.[1] The candidate has to pass a theoretical and a practical test, 3-6 months of internship, a course in Swedish statutes regarding health and medical care, and provide evidence of Swedish at the C1-level. The largest groups of IHPGs passing the system are medical graduates (IMGs) and dentistry graduates (IDGs).
In 2016, a common pathway for international healthcare professionals (IHPGs) from outside the European Union was established in Sweden.[1] The candidate has to pass a theoretical and a practical test, 3-6 months of internship, a course in Swedish statutes regarding health and medical care, and provide evidence of Swedish at the C1-level. The largest groups of IHPGs passing the system are medical graduates (IMGs) and dentistry graduates (IDGs).
Summary of work
The proficiency tests consist of a theoretical and a practical test developed and delivered by contracted Swedish universities and in line with the requirements for licensure[2] and fair testing.[3] The tests are taken in Swedish. Swedish law mandates that the tests become public once graded.
For IMGs and IDGs, SBA questions are used for the theoretical test and OSCE for the practical. Results
Four healthcare professions, medical, dentistry, pharmacy and nursing, represent over 90% of the IHPGs taking the tests.
As of mid-2023, 851 IMGs and 243 IDGs have passed the respective Proficiency test. This is in sharp contrast to the high number of graduates that have made at least a first attempt at the theoretical test (2051 IMGs and 874 IDGs). In fact, the average pass rate on the theoretical test has been 23.3% for IMGs and 28.5% for IDGs.
Discussion
A single and systematic approach for testing the proficiency of IHPGs moving to Sweden has been established. A relatively low throughput indicates problems with the tests or the candidates' readiness to take the test. There are indications that language proficiency might be an issue.
Conclusions
The new system testing IHPGs coming to Sweden has a low pass rate but might still be fair. Take-home messages/implications for further research or practice
Further research is needed to determine the cause of the relatively low throughput.
References (maximum three)
1. The National Board of Health and Welfare. Application for a license in health care. 2016. https://legitimation.socialstyrelsen.se/en/licence-application/
2. Swedish Government. The Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). 1993. https://www.uhr.se/en/start/laws-and-regulations/Laws-and-regulations/The-Higher- Education-Ordinance/
2. Swedish Government. The Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). 1993. https://www.uhr.se/en/start/laws-and-regulations/Laws-and-regulations/The-Higher- Education-Ordinance/
3. Fairness in testing. In: STANDARDS for Educational and Psychological Testing. 2014.