A qualitative study of anaesthetic trainee and trainer perspectives on regional teaching programmes

SummaryO_ST_ABSBackgroundC_ST_ABSRegional teaching programmes are a common method of delivering postgraduate medical education in the United Kingdom. There is limited evidence available to guide the development of a successful regional teaching programme. MethodsIn this qualitative study, we interviewed stakeholders including trainers and trainee anaesthetists using a combination of purposive and convenience sampling. Semi- structured interviews were conducted on Microsoft Teams in a focus group format. Data was transcribed, anonymised, coded and analysed using thematic analysis. FindingsAll the college tutors and school board members for anaesthesia in the deanery, and five anaesthetic trainees at different training stages participated in the study in six focus groups. Analysis revealed concerns about the complicated nature of Stage 1 anaesthetic training and discussion about how the local training structure within the deanery could be further impeding the delivery of support and education to Stage 1 anaesthetic trainees. Despite the challenges identified, trainers and trainees were optimistic about implementing a regional teaching programme for Stage 1 anaesthetists within the deanery. ConclusionsThis study highlighted the challenges of delivering high-quality postgraduate education and training for Stage 1 anaesthetists in our deanery and considered possible solutions. The findings of this study informed the development of a quality improvement project to improve Stage 1 anaesthetic training in our deanery.