582 A unique multi-deanery collaboration between senior Paediatric trainees in the UK for remote 'START' preparations during the Covid-19 Pandemic– survey feedback. (17th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Singh, Nilima; Yong, Jean
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 107(2022)Supplement 2
• Page Start: A382
• Page End: A383
• Publication Date: 2022-08-17
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2022-rcpch.621
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Aims: START (Specialty Trainee Assessment of Readiness of Tenure as a consultant) is an assessment tool used to highlight areas requiring further development in the final stages of specialist training in Paediatrics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional study groups were not feasible due to lockdown measures. A group of Paediatric and Sub-speciality trainees in Paediatrics who had their START assessment in July 2020, took the initiative in forming a group together on 'Whatsapp' for revision purposes. Methods: The author conducted an online survey via Survey Monkey. 13 ST7 and ST8 trainees were part of the group, 10 responded to the survey. Trainee characteristics are charted in figure 1 . Results: Group discussion, revision and role play took place for approximately 2 hours both Saturday and Sunday mornings every week, mostly on 'Zoom'. There were 5-6 trainees during each revision session, coordinated by the authors. 31% had their START assessment within 4-6 months, 54% within 2-3 months, 7% within four weeks and 7% within 2 weeks. After July 2020, some trainees continued to run the group for October 2020 diet. The group expanded rapidly between trainees nationally. During this period of preparation, trainees developed a unique bonding. Trainees felt the best part of this group was the variation in subspecialty interests; they could draw expertise from each other that were relevant to different scenarios. During and after the meeting, the trainees freely shared constructive feedback using the 'Assessor Feedback Form' on the RCPCH website, learning points, and background knowledge with each other. Following the completion of START assessment in October 2020, trainees stayed in the group and continued to support each other with consultant applications and interviews. The Whatsapp group name changed from 'July 2020 START' group to 'October 2020 START' group to 'Consultant interview preparation' group. CCT dates ranged from February 2021 to June 2022. All trainees reported the group to be useful, relevant, valuable, good length, and quality: 'improved my knowledge level irrespective of the START outcome'. All trainees found the group as being friendly, responsive, professional, exceeded expectations: 'improved my confidence level', 'helpful even after assessment'. Comments included: 'Open and honest colleagues. Happy to call friends now' 'Brilliant group! Supportive, non-judgemental, definitely exceeded expectations. Without this group I would definitely have done much worse. Reduced my workload and made me practice. Great group-thank you!' 'A very supportive group who share their knowledge willingly and able to give honest constructive feedback. Will be extremely useful to have this support even after finishing START' 'Brilliant support, lovely to meet others at the same grade. Would have loved groups like this for other assessments/difficult times of my career. Maybe throughout my career! Thank you so much! ' Conclusion: This is a unique multi-deanery collaboration between senior Paediatric trainees in the UK who continue to support each other. Acknowledgements: 1. All trainees who filled in the survey to support this write up. Declarations: No conflict of interest.