Professionalism and Excellence in Scottish Medicine - A Progress Report

Annex A

Themes from the Scottish Academy Trainee Doctors Group

The Scottish Academy Trainee Doctors Group considered a range of issues with regard to enhancing professionalism (and the factors which might inhibit it). A number of themes emerged from this analysis which underlined the importance of:

• identifying opportunities for greater continuity with regard to patient outcomes - for example by seeking to ensure stable working patterns and avoiding frequent rotations between wards and specialties, particularly at foundation level
• improving transition phases - for example through enhanced organisation and management at the August changeover; and more tailored induction and training opportunities
• ensuring an appropriate balance between training and service components - for example good planning of compulsory training days; providing opportunities for research and other experience; and making the most of clinical and non-clinical training opportunities
• being valued as a professional - for example ensuring there is flexibility for trainees to meet their own training goals; and being proactive with regard to the design and dissemination of rotas
• enhancing patient safety - for example by ensuring a 'safe space' for trainees to discuss, report and learn from incidents
• developing workplace assessment processes - for example avoiding a 'tick box' culture and ensuring the intended educational component is achieved