544 Allocation of Training Opportunities: Evaluation of a Rota Improvement Project

Abstract

Aim Surgical registrars are under increasing pressure to achieve their competencies for ARCP under the constraints of EWTD, service provision and on call requirements. Less than full time (LTFT) and academic trainees can struggle to get fair allocation of training opportunities. These pressures can lead to competition between registrars for training opportunities and resentment can develop. We created a novel rota allocation method by which theatre, clinic and endoscopy training sessions were allocated based on percentage of elective days worked across the month, ensuring all trainees had the same opportunities. Method The system was implemented for 3 months in the colorectal departments at 2 hospitals. Full time, LTFT and academic trainees were treated equally with theatre, endoscopy and clinics allocated by percentage of elective days per month. The spreadsheet of allocations was viewable by all trainees to ensure transparency. All surgical registrars involved were invited to complete a feedback questionnaire on the new system. Results The rota was implemented for 3 months with full allocation of shifts during the study period. Trainees were successfully allocated training sessions proportionally to elective days. 7/ 10 registrars gave feedback, 85% of whom felt the system was fair and 71% thought it improved working relationships between trainees. Comments included “scrupulously fair”, “highly efficient” and gives “more transparency”. Conclusions Allocation of trainees to clinical training opportunities can be difficult. We present an innovative method by which trainees get equal and fair access to the training opportunities available and has consequently helped to improve working relationships between peers.