TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
Independent review calls for action to deliver high quality training and improve patient safety
P
rofessor Sir John Temple has launched his report Time for Training, an
independent review of the impact of the European Working Time Directive on the quality of training for doctors, dentists, pharmacists and healthcare scientists.
The report was commissioned by Medical Education England at the request of the former secretary of state for health Alan Johnson.
Sir John’s report concludes that high quality training can be delivered within the reduced number of hours available but fails if trainees have the major role in providing out of hours service; are poorly supervised; or have limited access to learning.
Time for Training focuses on the quality of training provided now and says any current problems will not be solved by either increasing hours or lengthening training programmes.
The review reveals that, despite an increase of more than 60 percent in consultant numbers over the past ten years, hospitals remain too reliant on junior doctors to provide out of hours services.
Sir John recommends a move to a consultant delivered service with consultants working more flexibly and more directly responsible for care around the clock, leading to better quality of diagnosis, better decision making and better patient outcomes and safety.
Some specialties, such as obstetrics and paediatrics, have already moved to more flexible consultant working, allowing trainees to gain the right experience under supervision.
Redesigning services to provide safer and better patient care can also support better training. There are already examples from around the country where this is happening.
Sir John said: “I recognise that the EWTD may be reviewed in due course. However, the transformation of training needed now is paramount and must be addressed regardless of any modifications in order to produce well-trained professionals for the future. Training is patient safety for the next 30 years.”
Professor Sir Christopher Edwards, chairman of MEE, said: “Sir John, supported by an expert advisory panel, has taken extensive oral and written evidence and has produced an excellent report.
“The findings were presented to a recent meeting of the MEE board and there was overwhelming support for the report.
“As the report makes clear, even if the EWTD is reviewed in due course we need to ensure that we are providing a safe service with properly rested doctors.
“We must have a system where doctors are properly trained and those training them are properly supported.”
Health sector apprentice numbers rise by one-third T
he number of people beginning health apprenticeships in England has risen by
nearly a third, according to new figures published by Skills for Health.
The analysis of apprenticeship performance for 2008-09 – the most recent year for which full figures covering the apprenticeships frameworks managed by Skills for Health are available – shows that total new starts reached 3,096 in 2008-09 compared with 2,230 in 2007- 08, an increase of 28 per cent.
The figures for the NHS, independent and voluntary sectors also show that the proportion of health apprentices who successfully complete
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their training rose for a third consecutive year, to 74 per cent – 10 percentage points above the national average.
Healthcare support roles accounted for the largest overall number of new health apprenticeship starts during 2008-09.
However, the fastest year-on- year growth in apprenticeship numbers was among pharmacy technicians and dental nurses, where new starts rose sharply.
These increases follow the introduction of statutory regulation for both occupational groups during 2009, which is believed to have encouraged more trainees to follow an apprenticeship as a means
of acquiring professional accreditation.
Skills for Health chief executive John Rogers said: “These figures are very encouraging and a testament to the hard work of the many trainees who have taken up apprenticeships within the health sector.
“They also show that more and more employers are realising that apprenticeships offer a realistic workforce development solution which supports new ways of delivering services and improving patient care.”
Richard Marsh, employer service director and health lead, National Apprenticeship Service, said: “The health sector is one of great importance for the country
and it is great to see its renewed commitment to apprenticeships really taking off.
“Health employers are realising great benefits from the employment of apprentices and those they employ are embarking on valuable and varied careers.”
Skills for Health is actively promoting take-up of apprenticeships within the health sector and offers a range of materials, advice and guidance to help employers implement successful programmes.
These include online resources with a database of more than 80 apprenticeships now available within healthcare.
Jul/Aug 10
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