Survey of Trainee Membership of the Intensive Care Society

Abstract

In October/November 2007 we conducted a survey of the trainee membership of the Intensive Care Society in order to ascertain their views, primarily on the potential introduction of a compulsory examination in intensive care medicine (ICM). Their views on other training issues were also sought. There were 313 responses from a trainee membership of 446. A majority were supportive of a compulsory examination, but this view was heavily qualified by a large number of free text responses. The current UK diploma in ICM was not felt to be suitable as a compulsory examination. The timing of any examination would have to be flexible to avoid conflict with parent specialty training and associated examinations. Many of those training in ICM are at an advanced stage in their careers and the burden on their work and home lives presented by a further examination would be considerable. The survey also highlighted other matters important to training and employment in ICM in the UK, including the difficulties in finding employment in ICM faced by those training from parent specialties other than anaesthesia.