How do trainees choose their training school?

Stephen PrestonSusan Cossins

Why audit?

• National application scheme for England and Wales– Increases chance of getting a post– Reduces control over geography

• MMC reduces temporal flexibility• It is desirable to attract the best applicants

and place them in the most suitable school

Parameters audited

• Factors used in making decision• Most important factor• Sources and adequacy of information• Opinions about:

– Geographies– Fairness

• Method:– Anonymised electronic form

Did trainees have enough information?

• Ideas for more information were:– Yr2-5 hospitals (18)– Current trainee reviews (6)– Subspecialty training (4)– Open day (local/national) (4)– No trainees in each centre (2)– MRCPath pass rate (1)

Was the process fair?

• If not, why not?– 2nd round candidates knew

questions (2)– Poor short listing (1)– Did not get desired post (1)– Unable to change mind once

partner employed (1)– Don’t know how allocations

made (1)– Allocations did not include

application form scores (1)

How could the process be improved?

• Free text responses– Apply for a (more) specific rotation (3)

(especially London - 2)– Advise applicants of ranking (2)– Lost/incorrect paperwork – confirm offers and

responses on paper (2)– Make selection after accepting post (1)

Summary

• Most trainees have geographically fixed commitments– Family, partner, research

• Families are especially important to trainees• Most trainees had enough information

– NHS Histopathology website especially useful• Majority felt that geographies too large• Most felt that the procedure was fair

Overall, school application went well – 83% in first choice, 12% second, 5% third

But 5 or 6 applicants declined their posts – nearly 10%

Proposals

• Min and Max numbers for each training school– Smaller numbers can be used to improve flexibility

• Improve information– Y2-5 hospitals, open days, trainee reviews etc

• Offer more specific geographies– Overlap to maintain flexibility?

• Follow-up e-mail offers with paper letters• Regain control over application procedure

Any questions?