PWE-442 Balancing gastroenterology and general internal medicine training in the uk

Abstract

<h3>Introduction</h3> The majority of UK Gastroenterology trainees undertake dual accreditation with General Internal Medicine (GIM). The aim of this study is to explore trainees’ views on dual accreditation training. <h3>Method</h3> Data was collected from the BSG online survey which was sent to all higher specialist gastroenterology trainees in the UK. The survey was open from July to September 2014. <h3>Results</h3> 263 out of 806 (32.6%) trainees across the UK completed the survey. 36% (95/263) of responders were female and all training grades were well represented. Almost all (97.6%) gastroenterology trainees are dual accrediting in GIM. The majority (81%) feel that GIM training is useful for their future work as a consultant. Trainees spend 20–40% of their time in GIM commitments. Only 37% agree that their GIM training is of a good quality. More than half (62%) of trainees feel GIM training has a negative impact on their gastroenterology training (Figure 1). This impact is commented upon more noticeably with seniority – 60% of junior trainees (ST3-ST5) and 70% of senior trainees (ST6 and above). Only 10.6% of trainees felt that GIM training met their educational competencies due to the role of the medical registrar being more one of service provision, due to less experienced juniors, an increased work load and difficulty in obtaining workplace-based assessments (Figure 2). Another common theme was the lack of opportunity to present patients on post-take ward rounds. 31.2% of trainees would stop their GIM training if given the opportunity. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Whilst the majority of trainees recognise the importance of dual accreditation for future consultant jobs, a large proportion of trainees feel that the quality of their GIM training does not satisfy their training needs and curriculum requirements. In addition, more than half of trainees feel that GIM training has a negative impact on their gastroenterology training and a third would give up GIM if possible. The workload in acute medicine and decreasing experience of junior doctors are clearly topical issues. A way to improve the quality of GIM training could be to encourage consultants to allow time to present patients and complete work-based assessments, either on the post-take ward round or at another agreed time. <h3>Disclosure of interest</h3> None Declared. <h3>Reference</h3> Neale JR, Basford PJ; British Society of Gastroenterology Trainees Section. General medical training in gastroenterology: views from specialist trainees on the challenges of dual accreditation. Clin Med. 2015;15(1):35–9