Feedback from national courses
‘Stepping-up’ – The transition to registrar on-call Feedback from national courses Burgess S, Revell K, Pontefract D, Brackley K, Mountfield J, Olujide L
The Issue
The Feedback
The transition to registrar on-call is recognised as a significant step in the progression of all Obstetrics and Gynaecology trainees. There is a comprehensive curriculum that requires competence in several practical skills but in spite of this many trainees remain anxious. A big source of anxiety are the non-clinical skills required for the transition such as decision making and communication. To aid with these a ‘step-up’ course has been developed to smooth the transition and improve confidence. Areas requiring focus were identified including telephone communication with consultants, management of the labour ward board and decision making with regards to trials of instrumental delivery. The opportunity to openly talk with senior trainees who could share their experiences was also anticipated to be helpful.
The Course A one day course focusing on obstetric non-clinical skills was developed within the Wessex Deanery in 2014. The impact of the course was assessed with post course feedback which was collected immediately and at three months via an online survey. This looked at which sessions were helpful and assessing how confidence in managing situations increased. The findings were presented to the Heads of Schools at the RCOG. Five further deaneries adopted the structure and ran a course tailored to their needs in 2015. Feedback was then collated from these deaneries immediately and at 3 months post commencing registrar posts.
‘Very practical & relevant addressing common difficulties we all face’
Yes No Maybe
Figure 1 – Did the step up course aid in preparation?
In 2015 six deaneries ran a step-up course and a total of 55 ST2s attended. A 62% response rate was achieved from online feedback immediately following the course. Of these 79% of trainees felt the course had aided their transition to registrar on call (Fig 1) and 97% felt that the course should be run for future cohorts. The trainees were asked to score how prepared they felt for the transition prior to and after the course using a seven point scale ranging from “completely unprepared” to “completely prepared”. The trainees reported increases ranging from 0 to 4 points with an average increase of 1.12 points(Fig 2). The largest perceived increases were seen in general confidence (85% of attendees) decision making (62% of attendees) and communication and resilience (53% of attendees)(Fig 3). One of the most positively received sessions was the opportunity to openly question senior trainees about concerns without the presence of consultant facilitators.
14 12 10
‘Discussion with trainees of same level – realised everyone has same fears’
8 6 4 2
30 25 20
0 0
1
2
3
Figure 2 – Confidence increase pre and post course
15
10 5 0
Figure 3 – Attributes aided by step up course
4
‘Discussion of clinical scenarios and LW management scenarios with senior trainees were very helpful’
The Future Both clinical and non-clinical skills are essential to be a good, safe and confident ST3. This one day course has been positively received and offers a non-judgemental way for trainees to improve their confidence as well as explore their anxieties. The key learning objectives have been submitted by the RCOG to the GMC for approval as an addition to the training curriculum.
The Issue
The Feedback
The transition to registrar on-call is recognised as a significant step in the progression of all Obstetrics and Gynaecology trainees. There is a comprehensive curriculum that requires competence in several practical skills but in spite of this many trainees remain anxious. A big source of anxiety are the non-clinical skills required for the transition such as decision making and communication. To aid with these a ‘step-up’ course has been developed to smooth the transition and improve confidence. Areas requiring focus were identified including telephone communication with consultants, management of the labour ward board and decision making with regards to trials of instrumental delivery. The opportunity to openly talk with senior trainees who could share their experiences was also anticipated to be helpful.
The Course A one day course focusing on obstetric non-clinical skills was developed within the Wessex Deanery in 2014. The impact of the course was assessed with post course feedback which was collected immediately and at three months via an online survey. This looked at which sessions were helpful and assessing how confidence in managing situations increased. The findings were presented to the Heads of Schools at the RCOG. Five further deaneries adopted the structure and ran a course tailored to their needs in 2015. Feedback was then collated from these deaneries immediately and at 3 months post commencing registrar posts.
‘Very practical & relevant addressing common difficulties we all face’
Yes No Maybe
Figure 1 – Did the step up course aid in preparation?
In 2015 six deaneries ran a step-up course and a total of 55 ST2s attended. A 62% response rate was achieved from online feedback immediately following the course. Of these 79% of trainees felt the course had aided their transition to registrar on call (Fig 1) and 97% felt that the course should be run for future cohorts. The trainees were asked to score how prepared they felt for the transition prior to and after the course using a seven point scale ranging from “completely unprepared” to “completely prepared”. The trainees reported increases ranging from 0 to 4 points with an average increase of 1.12 points(Fig 2). The largest perceived increases were seen in general confidence (85% of attendees) decision making (62% of attendees) and communication and resilience (53% of attendees)(Fig 3). One of the most positively received sessions was the opportunity to openly question senior trainees about concerns without the presence of consultant facilitators.
14 12 10
‘Discussion with trainees of same level – realised everyone has same fears’
8 6 4 2
30 25 20
0 0
1
2
3
Figure 2 – Confidence increase pre and post course
15
10 5 0
Figure 3 – Attributes aided by step up course
4
‘Discussion of clinical scenarios and LW management scenarios with senior trainees were very helpful’
The Future Both clinical and non-clinical skills are essential to be a good, safe and confident ST3. This one day course has been positively received and offers a non-judgemental way for trainees to improve their confidence as well as explore their anxieties. The key learning objectives have been submitted by the RCOG to the GMC for approval as an addition to the training curriculum.
