Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Training for Foundation Doctors utilising a collaborative approach
The Northern Ireland Flight Workshop exemplifies a collaborative and evidence-based approach to delivering meaningful EDI education to foundation doctors. Sessions were delivered to Foundation Year 2 (FY2) doctors in Northern Ireland organised by the Northern Ireland Foundation School. The teaching sessions takes place within a whole day of teaching entitled “Professionalism & GMC Guidance” which is delivered at the Belfast GMC Offices in collaboration with GMC Liaison advisers and Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency (NIMDTA).
The initiative aligns with the GMC targets to eliminate disproportionate referrals by 2026 and differential attainment by 2031 and supports the UK Foundation Programme 2021 Curriculum.
Aims of the session
- Deliver high-quality, relevant and interactive EDI training to foundation doctors
- Build knowledge of EDI principles, legislation, unconscious bias and active bystanding
- Encourage reflective practice and cultural change from early medical careers
Content for teaching included
- Definitions of EDI
- Differential attainment
- Protected characteristics and legislation
- Unconscious bias, microaggressions and bystander effect
- Active Bystanding (4Ds)
- Raising concerns and GMC guidance on professional standards
Methods
- Live polls
- Case scenarios
- Multimedia, for example videos
- Small group discussion with reflective questions on real-life incidents and barriers to intervention
Collaboration
- Foundation doctors – to ensure relevance and reliability
- NIMDTA – to align with regulatory guidance
Outcomes
2023-2024
- 8 sessions delivered to FY2 doctors across Northern Ireland
- Reached 241 foundation doctors
- 80% of attendees had never received formal EDI training prior
- 97% reported the session helped them reflect on their practise
- 81% said the workshops would lead to a change in their future practise
2024-2025
- 10 sessions delivered
- Reached 266 foundation doctors
Total 507 doctors over 2 years
Key success factors
- Psychological safety prioritised through confidentiality and shared expectations
- Interactive delivery kept learners engaged and fostered vulnerability and openness
- Case relevance ensured learners could see themselves in the scenarios
- Bystander training empowered practical change beyond passive awareness
- Evaluation embedded through pre/post feedback and focus groups