1311 A trainee-led national programme to reduce differential attainment at subspecialty paediatric training (GRID)- a team soft landing initiative. (17th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Manivannan, Sharmila; Veeratterapillay, Satyam; Easa, Habab; Baasher, Nadia; Landing, Team Soft
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 107(2022)Supplement 2
• Page Start: A507
• Page End: A507
• Publication Date: 2022-08-17
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2022-rcpch.816
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Aims: Ethnic inequalities are prevalent within the NHS and impact both patients' access and experience of healthcare resources, and the workforce across a range of professions and settings. This is particularly relevant to international medical graduates (IMGs) who make up for up to 40% of the workforce. Surveys have shown difficulties within the IMG workforce in multiple aspects of their professional life, such as work-life balance, portfolio, assessments and career progression including differential attainment at subspecialty training (GRID). With many IMGs aspiring joining the paediatric workforce with years of experience in subspecialties, but are unsuccessful in obtaining corresponding GRID training to progress in their area of specialist expertise. Exploring ways to improve this situation, Team Soft Landing came up with a series of events targeted at the specific needs of IMGs to improve preparation, confidence, and ultimately success at GRID application. Methods: Our trainee-led IMG group, Team Soft Landing (TSL) conducted scoping surveys into the needs of IMG doctors and found that 60% reported challenges in meeting specialty (GRID) training requirements. We listened to their feedback and created free events catering to the specific challenges of IMGs including 'Grid Application', 'GRID interview mock practice session' and 'Ace the interview' webinars offering a mixture of didactic sessions from previously successful candidates and consultants, and smaller group sessions. The events were advertised through TSL regional representatives and on social media platforms to ensure wide reach. The events were recorded and uploaded subsequently online on a free video hosting platform. Results: 250 candidates attended the 3 events. The feedbacks were highly positive from both the faculties and candidates who participated. With regards to the mock interview feedback, a total of 41 candidates responded, out of which 37 were extremely satisfied and felt it was relevant, giving a rating of 5/5. All candidates have beautifully highlighted important points from the session which includes prepare and practice, structure your answers, and include personal experiences as 'Your story is your strength'. Smaller 'breakout rooms' were created to encourage IMGs to practise interviews with experienced consultants and senior trainees who had been through the process. The feedback we obtained was that nearly 95% felt the event improved the confidence and feeling of preparedness for the interview. The two main points which were echoed in the comments were to have more frequent break-out sessions and longer duration as they were extremely useful. Lastly, 92.3% have volunteered to join us as faculty if they were successful at interview. We are currently awaiting post interview feedback from the candidates. The videos uploaded have garnered a total of 440 views so far, showing good reach to wider audience. Conclusion: The RCPCH has made a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and has supported Team Soft Landing in helping IMG trainees at a local and national level. Free and sponsored events have the potential to reach wider audience within IMG community to reduce differential attainment and help improve morale and wellbeing.