The RCP has published the 15th survey reporting the experiences of and outcomes for physicians within a year of gaining their CCT (certificate of completion of training).
The RCP Medical Class of 2022 report has found that flexible working as a trainee and as a consultant is becoming normal practice, with 38% of respondents working fewer than 10 Programmed Activities or delivering 10 Programmed Activities flexibly during the week. A fifth (20%) of those respondents currently working in full-time posts wish to reduce their Programmed Activities.
At some point during their training, a third (31%) of respondents had trained less than full-time (LTFT), similar to the findings from 2021. 92% recommended training LTFT, with the main reason cited being a better work–life balance. Last year the RCP published an RCP View policy paper on short to medium term workforce solutions, which recommended embracing flexible working, including in training. The RCP has developed a toolkit on working flexibly, which includes tips for those at different stages of their career and advice on discussing flexible working with employers.
The survey, monitoring outcomes and emerging trends for CCT holders since 2009, found that within a year of completion of training, 60% of UK trained physicians are taking up substantive consultant posts. This has been consistent over the past 10 years. Under half (42%) of newly appointed consultants were offered a mentor or equivalent support, with 83% taking up the offer and 92% finding it helpful.
The survey also showed that taking part in clinical research was important to respondents. Almost half of respondents (49%) undertook some research as part of their training and almost all (92%) felt it had enhanced it, with 31% undertaking research in their current roles – an increase on previous surveys. While this is to be celebrated, 47% of respondents would like to do more research but are unable to due to time and other demands.
In a joint position statement with National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the RCP has called for research to be a core part of clinical care. The positions statement includes recommendations for stakeholders across the health and care system, with the overall aim of embedding research in clinical practice.
The RCP will work with employers to support them to design posts that are more flexible, include research and reflect the wishes of this highly trained cohort that we need to retain within the NHS. Fundamentally, we need providers to understand this changing workforce and offer flexible, innovative job plans with adequate time for continuing professional development, as well as supportive programmes to aid transition to this new stage in a doctor’s career.
Dr Mike Jones, Medical Director for Training and Development, JRCPTB said:
“The greater emphasis being expressed about achieving a suitable work–life balance could mean that even more people could seek the CESR route to access the specialist register if they are unable to gain a place in training in their preferred location. It is critical, therefore, that training places are implemented in such a fashion that makes them attractive to trainees and that this is especially important in localities where training was thought to be less attractive in the past. How this is to be achieved must be actively discussed between the statutory education bodies and the physician colleges if we are to sustain an adequate number of trainees coming through to take up the consultant posts of the future.”
About the survey
The is the 15th survey reporting the experiences of, and outcomes for, CCT holders within one year of gaining their CCT. It covers physicians who gained their CCT in 2022. The survey was sent to all 1,068 physicians who gained a CCT in 2022 and 362 completed surveys were returned (a response rate of 34%). The survey was open for completion from February to April 2023.
Each year, the Medical Workforce Unit of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) conducts this unique survey on behalf of the RCP, the Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board (JRCPTB), the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (RCPE) and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (RCPSG).