Shape of Training: Update

Dear Colleague,

We are aware that a number of our members are very concerned about the potential impact of the Shape of Training report. We share this concern and are awaiting an official announcement regarding this, which we are expecting soon and will inform you about as soon as it is made.

The RCPE Trainees & Members’ Committee is supportive of the need to increase generalism to respond to the complex care needs of our ageing population, but has major concerns about the Shape of Training proposals, in particular –

• future Certificate of Specialty Training (CST) holders must have equivalence in training and experience to current Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) holders; a CST must not be perceived as a lesser qualification;
• we do not believe it would be possible for trainee doctors to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to practice competently and safely in a shorter period of time than currently exists. It is essential that we produce doctors capable of delivering the high quality of care our patients expect;
• it is essential that any proposals to alter training be fully evaluated, with evidence to demonstrate that they will improve patient care. We advocate pilot studies and gradual change as opposed to a “big bang; and
• we must avoid the creation of a two-tier training system: credentialing must not be used as a lever to shorten training and create a two-tier system; instead it must be linked to workforce planning and have robust mechanisms for quality assurance.

Since the Shape of Training proposals were first issued for consultation, the  RCPE and our Trainees & Members’ Committee has engaged fully and constructively with the consultation process and consistently highlighted our concerns. During this time, we have consulted our trainee members, given evidence, both written and verbal, to the Shape of Training Review, and attended consultation meetings, including the Shape of Training implementation workshops, held throughout the country. We have produced a number of statements, both individually and collectively which we have led through the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and delivered these directly to key stakeholders. We believe it is essential that trainees have a voice in the future shape of their training.

Given the level of concern amongst trainees, please feel free to share this e-mail with colleagues and friends.

On a related subject, members may also be interested in a new RCPE workstream aimed at restoring the status and value of the role of the Medical Registrar.

As always, keep an eye on our Events Calendar for forthcoming RCPE events for trainees including our Evening Medical Update series and forthcoming symposia.

Kind regards

Rosemary

Dr Rosemary Hollick

Chair, RCPE Trainees & Members’ Committee