Core Training Scheme (CT1 & CT2)

Training Overview

Progression through the anaesthetic training programme requires demonstration of competency in a range of clinical units of training. The curriculum divides the contents of each unit into 3 areas: knowledge, skills, and attitudes and behaviour. Each are equally important. This is supported by evidence from a range of assessment tools. The College has stipulated that trainees are required to complete the following number of assessment tools every year: 12 Directly Observed Procedural Skills (DOPS), 8 Anaesthetic Clinical Evaluation Exercises (Anaes-CEX), 4 Case based Discussions (CBDs). In addition, 1 Multi Source Feedback (MSF) exercise is required at the end of years 1 and 6. Full details on the assessment tools can be found in the CCT V document under the "training" section of the College website (www.rcoa.ac.uk) and in the ARCPs section to the left of this webpage. Trainees are required to submit paperwork relating to completed assessments tools at their ARCP. In addition, there should be a completed workplace assessment form for each unit of training (see menu to left of this page) and an annual satisfactory attitudes and behaviour assessment. A competency based training scheme may allow some trainees to complete their training in less than the “usual” 7 years. In general, this will be facilitated by the Welsh School of Anaesthesia; however, certain units of training can only be accessed in one or two hospitals e.g. cardiac, higher paediatrics. As a result, it will not always be possible to fast-track trainees whose rotations do not place them in the required hospitals at that particular time.

Basic Level Training (CT1 and CT2)

There is a mandatory Initial Test of Competency which is usually completed after approximately 3 months of training. Unsupervised work cannot be undertaken prior to the satisfactory completion of this test. Thereafter, there are 13 workplace assessments that must be completed and signed-off before progression to year 3. The units of training covered by each workplace assessment are detailed in the STR 1, 2 Workplace Assessment Form section at the bottom of this webpage. Two of the workplace assessments (Obstetrics and Regional) require the completion of specific competency testing before related solo work can be undertaken. Further details can also be found in the CCT II document under the "training" section of the College website (www.rcoa.ac.uk) . It is essential that you talk to your local tutor at the earliest opportunity so that you can plan the units you will cover in each part of your rotation.

ARCPs

Towards the end of each year of Core Training you will have an ARCP (Annual Review of Competency Progression).  You will be required to submit a portfolio which includes a range of documentary evidence that you have had satisfactory assessments during the preceeding year.  A log book and CV are also required.  It is much better to plan for this from Day 1, not day 364.

Full details about the paperwork required for the ARCP process can be found in the menu at the top of this page.

Primary Exam

Study Days

The Welsh School of Anaesthesia holds an Induction Day for those trainees commencing Core Training.  Please see the Study Day pages of the website for further information.