Introduction

In Barnsley we recognise that educational concepts have developed considerably over the last two decades. Our aim is to provide the most effective educational methods possible to support GP Registrars as adult learners.

Most doctors remember education by humiliation on the white-coated ward round and the difficulty of maintaining a more than two-minute attention span in an overheated lecture theatre. It appears that for many leaving medical school things have not changed a great deal.

Effective learning requires several elements. It needs the learner to be motivated so requires that they recognise the importance of what they are being asked to do and why. It needs delivery in a format appropriate to an adult which will keep their interest and have the flexibility to develop lines of enquiry directed by the individual needs at the time. It must also be relevant to their personal and professional development.

With this in mind the Barnsley scheme honours these principles:

• Clinical competence is an essential to good practice.
• Each Registrar's learning needs should be identified and incorporated into their educational programme.
• Education is a dynamic process requiring constant review of content, resource, relevance and method of delivery.
• IT SHOULD BE FUN!

Learning and Teaching in General Practice

VTS appraisal for GP Registrars - click here

The part of Vocational Training most relevant to the future GP is the twelve months spent in selected General Practices approved for training purposes. Modern Barnsley Training Practices operate in a broad range of settings (single-handed/small group/large group practices; urban/rural; GMS/PMS etc.), but each one involves a GP trainer committed to the unique approach of education within General Practice.

Some features of this approach are:-

• Individually-tailored educational plan - recognising that all GP registrars are different, and their experience in terms of knowledge and skills will differ too.
• One-to-one teaching - which includes re-orientation from a 'hospital' to a 'GP' setting, and also consultation analysis and teaching.
• Working relationship with trainer - continues after the attachment has finished so that the trainer is available in the future for advice on applying for suitable practices, C.V's/interviews, references and so on.

There is a phased withdrawal of supervision as the attachment proceeds and confidence increases, but shared activities like tutorials continue and the registrar is encouraged to aim towards a role of 'partner' in the practice as the months pass.

Registrars continue to meet each other at the Wednesday afternoon sessions which extend throughout the 12 months in practice and the 24 months of hospital posts, and likewise trainers get together monthly to share ideas.

All educational systems need standards, and trainers and their practices have to demonstrate that they are reaching suitable standards on a regular basis to a visiting inspectorate, representing the local Deanery, in order to maintain their ongoing approval for training status.

Learning and Teaching in hospital

VTS appraisal for SHOs - click here

With each hospital job on the scheme you should expect the following:

1. An educational supervisor - normally your Consultant.
2. A meeting soon after you start the job to discuss your educational needs.
3. To see a curriculum of what ought to be learned during the post - with the emphasis on learning for General Practice.
4. A time-table for teaching based upon the curriculum but tailored to your own needs.
5. Regular protected teaching time at least once a week.
6. Other opportunities for learning within the job e.g. ward rounds or interdepartmental meetings.
7. Attendance at the half-day release. Ideally every time but at least 80% of the time.
8. A mid-term formative assessment to let you know how you are doing in the job and what particular educational needs have been discussed in the first three months of the job.

If any of these do not happen consult your Course Organisers early so that things can be remedied straight away - do not leave it until the end of the post to tell us of any problems as it will then be too late to help you in that particular job.

Newsletter final 01.06 (Click here) from Deanery

> What's a half-day release, and how do I get one?