Intermediate Level Training (ST3/4)

Training Overview
 
Intermediate training is underpinned by the priniciples of Knowlegde, Skills and Attitude/Behaviour as set out in the Curriculum of the Royal College of Anaesthetists.  The knowledge element requires success in the Final FRCA (or equivalent) examination and in addition there are 18 units of training recognised by the Royal College of Anaesthetists for Intermediate Training during which competency will be assessed.
 
Six are KEY units which MUST be completed are:

• Cardiac / Thoracic Anaesthesia
• Intensive Care Medicine
• Neuroanaesthesia
• Paediatric Anaesthesia
• Obstetric Anaesthesia
• Pain Management

Seven are GENERAL units which all trainees are expected to complete are:

• Day Surgery
• ENT
• Orthopaedic Anaesthesia
• General Surgery / Gynaecology / Urology (+/- Transplantation)
• Regional Anaesthesia
• Trauma and Accidents
• Vascular Anaesthesia

Five are ADDITIONAL units which may not be available to all trainees are:

• Diagnositc Imaging, Anaesthesia and Sedation
• Maxillo-facial  / Dental
• Plastics / Burns
• Ophthalmic Surgery
• Misc.

 
Competency is assessed using logbook data in conjunction with evidence from a range of assessment tools and the Royal College now requires that a minimum of one Anaes-CEx, DOP and CBD should be undertaken for each subspecialty unit of training.  An average trainee would be expected to complete at least 10 units of training plus 3 months of intensive care medicine in the two years of intermediate training.  The minimum number of assessments performed in these two years will therefore be 33 (1 in each category per unit of training).  Paperwork and guidance on appropriate assessments can be found at the bottom of this page.
 
ARCP's
 
There will be an ARCP at the end of each year of intermediate level training and you will be sent a letter well in advance of the date(s) for the panel detailing what paperwork you must provide.  The ARCP at the end of Year 4 is a major review that draws everything together, including examination results, and confirms that the totality of the objectives of intermediate level training (ST years 3 and 4), including the assessment of 'attitudes', has been achieved.  Once these objectives have been met the Intermediate Level Training Certficate (ILTC) can be awarded and the trainee can progress to Year 5, Higher Training.  Without the certificate there can be no entry into higher and advanced levels of training.
 
Final FRCA Examination
 
The Final FRCA exam can be a major hurdle for many Intermediate Level trainees.  It is important to discuss your exam preparation with your Educational Supervisor/College Tutor early in Year 3 so that appropriate plans can be made.  Most departments will be very supportive in allowing study leave for exam preparation and there are a number of Final FRCA Examiners in Wales who can give advice.
 
Study Days
 
The Welsh School of Anaesthesia holds a Study Day for those trainees commencing Intermediate Level Training.  Please see the Study Day pages of the website for further information.