IN-DEPTH: MEDICAL TRAINING


IMPROVING R


TRAINING FOR DOCTORS


In light of feedback from junior doctors, our medical education team explains how they are making the Trust a better place to train, and junior doctor Dr Abtin Sadeghi shares how he makes the most of his training experience.


ecognising the special challenges of training and working in pressured environments, and moving across different specialties and trusts, our medical


education and HR teams have been leading on improvements in how we welcome and support our junior doctors.


The latest training year, which began in August, proved especially challenging. Administrative errors affecting doctors in training nationwide meant that many did not receive rotas until just weeks – or even days – before starting their new roles. This comes on top of major changes to the junior doctor contract introduced nationally following industrial action in October 2016.


The start of the training year also coincides with the publication of the annual GMC national training survey of junior doctors, completed by 98 per cent of our trainees last year. The results show some areas performing well, but highlight an urgent need to improve our overall training experience. In response, the medical education team is working with divisions to understand the results and develop plans to support specialties to manage workloads, improve rota planning, and increase access to a variety of learning opportunities. The focus on specialty and division-level improvements will ensure that staff are fully engaged to support trainees’ education and growth.


10 /Pulse


GUIDED EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT


“We understand that a lot of doctors find Imperial a very complex place to train,” says Danielle Bennett, the medical education team’s head of operational management. “We’ve created a programme of teaching and support to help our trainees make the most of their experience.”


Each trainee is assigned an educational supervisor to help plan their personal development as well as a clinical supervisor for each rotation. Together they help each doctor navigate the standard programme of face-to-face teaching, online training, and specialty rotations as well as find additional learning opportunities to support their individual goals.


“While we offer a very rigorous training experience, we believe it is equally important to build a supportive environment to help doctors navigate the various challenges of their early professional careers.”


SOCIAL SUPPORT


A monthly junior doctors’ forum offers a space for doctors to discuss important issues and voice concerns. A peer support network for trainees is in development, and the medical education offices on each site offer a place to share feedback or just take a breather. “We encourage doctors to stop in for a cup of tea when they want to discuss


any concerns or simply take a break from the wards,” says Danielle. “Ultimately, we’re here to help doctors have a great, valuable training experience. We want doctors to let us know what else we can do to help make that happen.”


TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR TRAINING Dr Abtin Sadeghi joined the Trust in August 2017 and is starting his third year of specialist anaesthetic training


www.imperial.nhs.uk


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