Local clinical attachment scheme in psychiatry

Abstract

Clinical attachments are an essential step in the process by which international medical graduates (IMGs) secure training posts in the UK. Although the British Medical Association (BMA) provides general guidelines for clinical attachments, the current system lacks a structured process regarding selection, defined length of posts, predetermined contents of training and detailed guidance for consultants supervising clinical attachments in psychiatry. This article outlines the experience in Nottingham of developing a formalised clinical attachment scheme and includes the lessons learnt and difficulties faced during the process. Also presented are the results of feedback surveys from consultants and IMGs who have partaken in the new formalised scheme.

Role of clinical attachments in psychiatry for international medical graduates to enhance recruitment and retention in the NHS

“…One challenge was that some IMG doctors left clinical attachment schemes early on securing a paid role elsewhere – thus not utilising the scheme optimally. 11 In our survey, 71% of respondents strongly agreed that they would accept a paid role in the same trust if offered one at the end of their attachment. Although there is still the possibility that they might leave an attachment early, this response suggests that if clinical attachments are formally organised with a view to recruiting longer term, then IMG doctors could be retained by the likelihood of being offered a permanent role following successful completion of the clinical attachment.…”