1345 Soft landingand MWRES: an IMG led initiative addresses workforce inequality in paediatrics. (17th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jagga, Megha; Audhali, Nadia; Easa, Habab; Baasher, Nadia
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 107(2022)Supplement 2
• Page Start: A356
• Page End: A357
• Publication Date: 2022-08-17
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2022-rcpch.575
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Aims: 41.9% of medical and dental workforce in NHS in England are from a BME background, compared to 14% BME in the population. 1 NHS Medical Workforce Race Equality Standard (MWRES) published its first report in 2021, identifying substantial discrimination across 11 indicators, affecting BME doctor's whole career path. Particular mention was made relating to International Medical Graduates (IMGs). The majority of IMG doctors identify as BME. Soft Landing (SL) is a National Paediatric voluntary and peer to peer innovation. It is a grass roots model to address some of these indicators, allowing a soft landing for overseas paediatricians, long into their training. Methods: Creating the Team: IMG Founding members headhunted colleagues with a similar passion for supporting EDI work focused on IMGs. The team was identified through the RCPCH EDI members reference group, and wider recruitment including for regional representatives via a competitive process, promoted via social media. The group now totals 25 volunteers, and consists of passionate clinical fellows, trainees and consultants volunteering their time to the project. Deliverables which specifically address MWRES action points and indicators: 1. IMGs induction Workshop: As indicated in areas for action in MWRES 2020 report, Soft Landing team has established a twice yearly National RCPCH endorsed IMG induction workshop. Currently held virtually, It attracts IMGs joining paediatrics including clinical fellows post-PLAB and MTI trainees. The workshop was a huge success, over 150 attendees to date, and overwhelmingly positive feedback. 2. ARCP webinar: MWRES indicator 4 suggests BME doctors are more likely to fail the revalidation process. SL is running annual ARCP webinars for IMGs, to improve their portfolio skills. 3. Recruitment Practice interviews- GMC published data on differential attainment (DA) in postgraduate and graduate level recruitment in 2018. SL team has been a platform for virtual interview practice for IMGs applying for ST1/2/3/4 and Sub-specialties in paediatrics, a little step forward to combat DA in paediatrics. 4. Research and Academic training: MWRES indicator 1C has shown under-representation, with only 16% of doctors at professor level of BME origin. SL virtual events on 'Introduction to Research and Academic Training' and 'Journal Clubs made easy' aim to guide interested IMGs to the path of academic career. Results: Soft Landing Team offers educational support to IMG doctors, as well as raising awareness of the needs of IMG. The team itself promotes diverse IMG involvement in advocacy for paediatric IMGs. The project is widely acknowledged in England, Scotland and Wales and supported by RCPCH. We believe its success represents a desire for greater representation by IMGs in the EDI agenda, and directly addresses specific MWRES indicators. Conclusion: Differential Attainment needs addressing at two levels: candidates and Organisations. At the level of candidates, SL has started facilitating social and professional integration of IMGs into life in the NHS and in the UK. More work is needed at both levels and more data specific to Paediatrics will be a better guide to create further action plan to improve assessment and addressing of, DA in MWRES 11 indicators. References: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/MWRES-DIGITAL-2020_FINAL.pdf https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2021-03/RCPCH-EDI-Working-lives-of-paediatricians.pdf