Clin Med
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Many medical (and other) trainees will have heard mention during their training years of the specialty training committee (STC) relevant to their chosen medical specialty and might even be aware of some of the trainer members who sit on this committee. However, there is a perception that, equally, many trainees have no clear understanding of the roles and functions of STCs in relation to their training and, furthermore, the relation of their STC to its local deanery. This might also extend to consultant educational trainers who are less involved in the broader provision of postgraduate medical training (although, ideally this should not be the case). Here, I provide a brief guide to the role of STCs in training and their relation to their local deanery.
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The NHS is facing a crisis from the combination of EWTD, MMC, the ageing population and rising expectations; thus its tradition of high quality care is under pressure. Physician assistants (PAs) are a new profession to the UK, educated to nationally set standards and, working as dependent practitioners, provide care in the medical model. PAs are currently employed by over 20 hospital Trusts as well as in primary care. ⋯ The stability of PAs in the workforce will be an additional resource for junior doctors on brief rotations. For the full benefits of PAs to be realised, and for the safety of the public, statutory registration and prescribing rights are required. Active support from the NHS is now needed to develop the workforce required.
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Enhanced education has been recommended to improve non-specialist management of acute kidney injury (AKI). However, the extent of any gaps in knowledge has yet to be defined fully. The aim of this study was to assess understanding of trainee doctors in the prevention, diagnosis and initial management of AKI. ⋯ Fifty percent of trainees could not define AKI, 30% could not name more than two risk factors for AKI and 37% could not name even one indication for renal referral. These serious gaps in knowledge highlight the need for enhanced education aimed at all training grades. Organisational changes may also be required to optimise patient safety.