Pre-employment Structured Clinical Interview (PESCI)

In 2006, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) mandated improvements to the employment process for IMGs applying for registration on either the Competent Authority or Standard pathways, to increase the safety and efficacy of the healthcare workforce by assessing the suitability of the applicant for a specific position. In addition, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has developed registration standards that include a requirement for a PESCI to be conducted for certain applicants.

The purpose of the PESCI assessment is to establish whether an IMG has the knowledge, skills and experience to practise safely and effectively in the position for which registration is being sought. Guidelines have been produced by the PMCV for the conduct of pre-employment interviews of IMGs and they address:

• Content of position descriptions
• Risk matrix guidelines for determining PESCI need
• Responsibilities and composition of the interview panel
• Interviewer Training and Support
• Decision making
• Documentation requirements

Summary of the Victorian Accredited Hospital-Based PESCI process - click to enlarge