Core competencies in teaching and training for doctors in Scotland: a review of the literature and stakeholder survey

Abstract

Background: The UK General Medical Council requires all registered doctors to be competent in all areas of their work, including teaching and training.

Aims: The current research sought consensus on core competencies for all consultants and GPs involved in teaching and training in Scotland.

Method: A draft list of 80 competencies was developed from the literature and made available as a survey to all consultants and GPs with teaching roles and all final year speciality trainees working in Scotland. Respondents rated the importance of each competency and provided free text comments.

Results: There were 1026 responses. Eighteen competencies were rated as “high priority”, and are recommended as a baseline for all doctors involved in teaching and training; 55 were rated as “medium priority”, and are recommended in relation to specific teaching and training roles; and 7 were rated as “low priority”. Free text responses suggested the topic was controversial and emotive, and emphasised the importance of further work to engage trainers.

Conclusions: The findings appeared to have face validity, and it was felt these could be used as the basis for developing a “Scottish Trainer Framework” for doctors and others involved in teaching and training in Scotland.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all those who have helped with the NES Faculty Development Project for Scotland for their support and collaboration. The authors are also very grateful to all those who gave feedback on the draft survey, and the many survey respondents who contributed their valuable time and experience.

Declaration of interest: All co-authors were employed by National Health Service and/or university organisations, and NHS Education for Scotland provided additional administrative support for the project. GN and SI are GMC Associates.