UKFPO Fellow project summary – Training opportunities

Contact Dr Aysha Nijamudeen (UKFPO fellow 2023/24) for any queries: Aysha.Nijamudeen@mft.nhs.uk.

The problem

Mounting evidence demonstrates differential attainment in specialty training applications and post-graduate examinations
There is much variation in foundation training jobs and opportunities for experience outside inpatient medicine
Some points on CST/ST1 applications are for involvement in elective activity, for example, surgical logbook numbers
Retention issues post-F2: Many doctors take additional years to pass exams, meet application requirements
Protected training time is supported by the GMC and UKFPO, yet FDs often struggle to access this

A national survey of 701 FDs respondents demonstrates the majority do not have scheduled OR ad-hoc non-inpatient training activities.

Scheduling in advance allows for an equal baseline of access to training opportunities
The doctor can prepare for the activity, increasing educational value
Rota co-ordinators can ensure adequate staffing in advance
Clinics/procedure lists can be planned accordingly for training

No, SDT is currently not available in all of the four nations
These are clinical sessions, and so should be scheduled separately to SDT (in England)
SDT can also be used for additional non-activities sessions if the doctor wishes

The GMC: Workplace Experiences, 2023
The GMC: Tackling Disadvantage in Medical Education, 2023
The UKFPO Curriculum: p88 “All FDs must have the opportunity to take part in outpatient clinics”
BMA: Work Scheduling Guidance, 2023
North West Foundation Forum: A pilot scheme to help NHS Trusts to incorporate scheduled activities into FD rotas

Scheduled non-inpatient clinical activities are provided as standard at ELHT to support FDs to meet their ARCP requirements.
FDs have four scheduled clinics or theatre sessions per rotation
Sessions are allocated at the start of placement therefore FDs can look up the patients in advance and prepare, increasing the educational value
This was initiated by a previous FPD and has led to a culture shift that promotes training and education for FDs
Having run for a few years, this is now ingrained into the training programme at ELHT and rota co-ordinators and clinical staff are supportive of the initiative
This trust provides an excellent example of how training can (and should) be scheduled for foundation doctors

Scheduling four days of non-inpatient activity only reduces time on the wards by 5%!
These should be agreed with the CS at the induction meeting to ensure maximal educational value

GMC

BMA

UKFP Curriculum: p88 “All FDs must have the opportunity to take part in outpatient clinics”