The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and NHS Employers have published recommendations for safe trainee changeover.
The guidance offers practical recommendations that can be implemented in all organisations to help mitigate the problems associated with the trainee changeover period which have traditionally occurred on a national scale in August and February each year. The four key recommendations include:
• Consultants must be appropriately available during changeover periods.
• Flexible and intelligent trainee rota design.
• High quality clinical induction for trainees at all units.
• Reduction of elective work during changeover periods.
The Royal College of Anaesthetists has supported the recommendations as best practice for minimising detrimental effects on patient care during changeover periods, while ensuring that trainees are well supported to perform their duties and still benefit from available learning opportunities.
