Part-time trainees can do fewer tests

  • Date: 30 March 2012

LESS than full time trainees will be allowed to complete fewer workplace based assessments each year, the General Medical Council has announced.

Currently, LTFT trainees have to do the same number of assessments for their annual review of competency progression as their full time colleagues. But the GMC admitted that this places an unreasonable burden on part-time trainees and could lead to assessment taking up a disproportionate amount of learning time.

The regulator has reviewed the situation and has now published interim guidance which will allow LTFT trainees to collect evidence for their reviews on a pro rata rather than annual basis.

The GMC has stated that LTFT trainees can continue to collect the same amount of evidence as full time trainees but over a longer period of time proportionate to their time in training. So a trainee in a three-year programme, working at 50 per cent of whole time, can spread their assessments over a six year period.

The Royal College of General Practitioners has welcomed the decision and said it is a fairer approach for part-time trainees.

Read more about the GMC’s position here

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