The Effectiveness of a Specific Foundation Year 1 Induction Programme in Improving Confidence for Newly Qualified Doctors in the UK

Induction Implications: Shaping the Competence and Confidence of Junior Doctors Within Complex Medical Specialties

Introduction The newly qualified junior doctors in the United Kingdom face challenges due to their limited experience and unfamiliarity with their rotations. We aim to share the experience of establishing a hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery-specific induction program at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and assess its impact on doctors' knowledge and experience. Methods A booklet was distributed to new junior doctors, and a two-hour structured teaching session was also conducted, with pre- and post-session assessments using multiple-choice questions and a feedback survey. The survey measured understanding of HPB anatomy, interventions, and satisfaction with the teaching methodology. Results The pre-session questionnaire included 22 participants, while the post-session had 20 participants. Regarding HPB anatomy understanding, in the pre-session, six (28.6%) and 11 (52.4%) participants reported levels 2 and 3, respectively, while levels 4 and 5 were reported by three (13.3%) and one (4.8%) participants. In the post-session, levels 4 and 5 were reported by six (30%) and 13 (65%), with only one (5%) reporting level 3 and none at levels 1 or 2. Similar trends were observed in understanding HPB investigation. In the pre-session, levels 2 and 3 were reported by eight (36.4%) and 11 (50%), while levels 4 and 5 were reported by two (9.1%) and one (4%). In the post-session, eight (40%) and 11 (55%) reported levels 4 and 5, with only one (5%) at level 3 and none at levels 1 or 2. For HPB management methods before teaching, levels 2 and 3 were equally reported by eight (36.4%), level 4 by four (22.7%), and none at level 5. After teaching, nine (45%) and 10 (50%) reported levels 4 and 5, with only one (5%) at level 3 and none at levels 1 or 2. Factual knowledge showed a 38% increase, rising from 49% pre-session to 87% post-session. In post-session feedback, 12 (60%) strongly agreed that the session helped augment their medical practice, and six (30%) agreed, with two (10%) neutral. Feedback on the teaching session's organization was positive, with 13 (65%) strongly agreeing that it was structured coherently, and six (30%) agreeing, with only one (5%) neutral regarding the clarity of the structure and delivery method. Conclusion Specialty-specific induction programs are crucial for providing support and ensuring the development of competent doctors. Efforts should be made to create supportive working environments for junior doctors to alleviate stress and improve their well-being.

Insights and Recommendations From Two Urology-Based Educational Interventions: Development of a Urology Teaching Programme and Out-of-Hours Urology Handbook

Exposure and education in urology for medical students (MSs) and junior doctors (JDs) have long been overlooked, resulting in inadequate preparedness for the management of urological cases/patients. This study addresses this deficiency through the implementation of a Urology Teaching Programme (UTP) and the creation of an Out-of-Hours Urology Handbook (OOHUH). The UTP was delivered virtually, targeting senior MSs and JDs, and covered common urological presentations and management pathways from a JD's perspective. The OOHUH aimed to enhance the care provided by general surgery senior house officers (SHOs) at Lister Hospital (Stevenage, UK), offering guidance for nine common urological conditions in emergency and out-of-hours settings. Both initiatives demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge and confidence in urology. The findings underscore the importance of supplementary urology education and suggest strategies for bridging training gaps in medical curricula and clinical practice. Recommendations include tailored induction programs and simulation days for junior doctors, along with the widespread adoption of such educational interventions to enhance patient care and trainee preparedness in urology.