Transcript The Academic Foundation Programme

MY EXPERIENCE OF THE
ACADEMIC FOUNDATION
PROGRAMME
An overview of my AFP project:
The Academic Foundation Programme (AFP) in Wales: a
review of trainee and supervisor expectations,
experiences and outcomes.
Emma Froment, Academic Foundation Doctor, Wales.
January 2014
I APPROACHED MY SUPERVISOR WITH THE
BACKGROUND TO MY PROJECT
1
2
3
Little published national data on doctor experiences of the Academic
Foundation Programme.
No local review in Wales of academic foundation posts since they were
established four years earlier.
National surveys were not distinguishing between academic and clinical
posts when asking about foundation trainee experiences.
I WORKED WITH MY SUPERVISOR TO
CONDUCT THE PROJECT
Interviews with
previous
trainees and
supervisors.
Identification of
themes and
analysed using
framework
analysis
Structured
workshop with
educational and
clinical supervisors
and current
academic trainees
to present findings
and plan changes.
RESULTS (1)
1
Nearly all trainees enjoyed the post
2
Trainees were universally unsure of what to expect in terms of aims,
resources available and expected outcomes
3
Trainees were concerned about the lack of clinical exposure during
their academic block
4
Mismatch between trainee and supervisor expectations of prior
research knowledge
RESULTS (2)
5
Trainees were keen to have dedicated tutorials on research skills
6
Trainees often missed their dedicated academic time due to clinical
workload
7
Clinical colleagues felt that academic trainees were having ‘days off’
when they were undertaking research
8
Trainees and supervisors felt frustrated if a publication/presentation
was not achieved by the end of the year.
THE RESULTS CHANGED THE DELIVERY OF
THE WALES AFP
An induction booklet was circulated to trainees prior to starting the post
Explanation provided to all clinical teams regarding the role of an
academic foundation doctor
Introduction of regular meetings within the academic unit to bring
together all academic trainees and supervisors
Regular presentation slot in grand rounds to share progress and role of
academic trainees with hospital staff
Introduction of a tutorial programme for all academic foundation
doctors on research skills.
AND FINALLY I HAVE TWO KEY PIECES OF
ADVICE FOR FUTURE ACADEMIC FOUNDATION
DOCTORS
1
Complete a project in a field that really interests
you
2
Always ask for help and support.