Trainees entering ST4 in August 2011 will be transfering to the new curriculumhalf way through their intermediate training. We have prepared some FAQs to answer commonly asked questions.
The new curriculum has some essential units of training which are not in, or are optional, in the 2007 curriculum. Will we be expected to have these signed off by August 2012?
Yes. There are 6 such units : cardiac&respiratory arrest, critical incidents, non theatre, sedation, airway management and transfer medicine. In addition the ENT module has been expanded to include dental and maxfax and the neuro module now comprises neuroanaesthesia, neuroradiology and neuro ITU.
Can we do these modules in this training year even though we are still on the 2007 curriculum?
Yes. We strongly encourage trainees to complete some of these modules this training year. In particular trainees who will be rotating to Cardiff and Swansea next year need to have completed their general units, including these additional units, this training year.
Vascular is becoming optional in the new curriculum. Will we be expected to have this module signed off?
No it will not be essential to have completed a vascular module. However, it is still in the new curriculum as an option. If you have completed a vascular module it will have been excellent training and you will have learned a number of useful transferable skills.
How many assessment tools will we need to have completed for these units of training?
We currently under the 2007 curriculum require one A-CEX, one DOPs and one CBD for each unit of training. The college has published a ‘blueprint’ of which assessments are required for each unit of training in the 2010 curriculum which is broadly the same. This is available on the college website (in annex C of the new curriculum). Some of the new units eg airway, arrest require fewer WBAs.
The only major difference is the introduction of a new assessment tool called an ALMAT
What is an ALMAT and when should I do one?
The Anaesthetic list management assessment tool essentially assesses a trainee’s ability to manage a whole surgical list. There is not separate paperwork, we will use the A-CEX paperwork for ALMATs.
An ALMAT is required for 3 units: General/urology/gynae; ENT/max-fax/dental and orthopaedics.
In the College’s Assessment Guidance document an ALMAT is also described as a suitable assessment tool for some other units including day case, trauma, regional, obstetrics, paediatrics. We would be very happy for you to do an ALMAT for these units but it is optional.
There appear to be some discrepancies between the College’s Assessment Guidance document and the Blueprint of WBAs in the curriculum.
Where such discrepancies occur it is the Blueprint of WBAs in the curriculum document which is correct as this is the document approved by the GMC.
Do I need to do WBAs for the advanced sciences?
The advanced sciences will be covered in the FRCA examination; they are also indirectly covered when discussing cases in a CBD assessment or by questioning during and assessment for a DOPS or A-CEX. Trainees do not need separate A-CEX or CBDs for the advanced sciences.
Do I use the same paperwork?
The forms for DOPS, A-CEX, CBD are unchanged. Use a A-CEX form for ALMATs. The end of unit sign off form will require minor modification for the new curriculum but you can continue to use the old forms until August 2011.
The educational supervisor’s report will be modified slightly to incorporate the new units of training.
How often do I need to do an MSF?
At least once every training year.
I understand there is an additional section of the 2010 curriculum for academic activities and teaching
This is found in Annex G of the new curriculum and covers academic activities, teaching&learning. It gives clear guidance as to what is required. All trainees were sent an Educational Activity Logbook at the start of the year. You should use this to record all teaching and learning activities and attendances at departmental meetings.
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