Time for Change to make sure there is Time to Train
Damian TRoland, Doctor,
March 22, 2016
Giles at al. highlights a significant issue which has previously been
recognised but not always as well framed. It is vital for patient safety
that specialists in all fields have had the opportunity to develop their
skills once their core competencies have been achieved. The continuing
need for trainees in the UK to provide an active service while at the same
time undertake and be involved in post-graduate education is not
sustainable and this was highlighted in the Temple report(1).
However the solution to the problem is not the number of hours
available to a particular doctor. The survey implies non-specialty duties
are being performed in- and out- of hours. Were the 48 hour limit be
lifted there would be no reason to think the doctor would not continue to
be required to perform service activities.
The RCPCH "Facing the Future" service standards (2) set out a model
which would require 10 WTE trainees on each rota. This would enable
trainees to access essential training opportunities but provide a safe and
reliable service. In order to achieve this goal reconfiguration must occur
which may be unpalatable to some. Without this, ultimately, patients may
not get the high quality service they deserve and expect.
1. Time For Training. Sir John Temple on behalf of Medical Education
England
2. Facing the Future. Standards for Paediatric Services. December
2010 RCPCH.
Conflict of Interest:
I am currently chair of the RCPCH and AoMRC Trainees Committee
Giles at al. highlights a significant issue which has previously been recognised but not always as well framed. It is vital for patient safety that specialists in all fields have had the opportunity to develop their skills once their core competencies have been achieved. The continuing need for trainees in the UK to provide an active service while at the same time undertake and be involved in post-graduate education is not sustainable and this was highlighted in the Temple report(1).
However the solution to the problem is not the number of hours available to a particular doctor. The survey implies non-specialty duties are being performed in- and out- of hours. Were the 48 hour limit be lifted there would be no reason to think the doctor would not continue to be required to perform service activities.
The RCPCH "Facing the Future" service standards (2) set out a model which would require 10 WTE trainees on each rota. This would enable trainees to access essential training opportunities but provide a safe and reliable service. In order to achieve this goal reconfiguration must occur which may be unpalatable to some. Without this, ultimately, patients may not get the high quality service they deserve and expect.
1. Time For Training. Sir John Temple on behalf of Medical Education England
2. Facing the Future. Standards for Paediatric Services. December 2010 RCPCH.
Conflict of Interest:
I am currently chair of the RCPCH and AoMRC Trainees Committee