eP128 New Doctors Cross-Specialty Induction Programme: A Closed Loop Quality Improvement Project at a Tertiary Acute Hospital in UK
Sandeep Maharajh, Christopher Allen, Mohamed Tohfa, Rosemary Morton, Iain Mcintyre, Anthony ChanAbstract
Introduction
Doctors in acute specialities are required to provide effective, timely and safe patient care. Human factors can make cross-speciality working challenging. Siloed departmental junior doctor inductions often do not promote effective multidisciplinary working across the on-call and emergency service provision. This quality improvement project (QIP) trials a joint specialty induction programme to promote collaboration, understanding and teamwork at one of the largest hospitals in the UK.
Methods
A pre-QIP structured survey was carried out to ascertain the induction experiences of the previous junior doctor rotation. A collaborative approach between surgical, medical and emergency (ED) departments were used to create a joint induction programme which was audited following its pilot.
Results
The joint induction programme shared the responsibilities for each speciality as well as the clinical, organisational and educational pressures that individuals may face, such as ED patient flow targets, or surgical logbook number targets. New components also detailed holistic support of residents, wellbeing and academic opportunities. The programme was piloted in August 2024. Most respondents (85%) agreed that the joint induction promoted a better understanding and greater teamwork within the hospital. More attendees rated the new induction as more effective than a departmental one.
Conclusion
This QIP demonstrates a joint induction programme to be an effective and collaborative approach for inducting new doctors in complex tertiary care centres. Together with increasing demands on NHS services and educational pressures on trainees, initiatives promoting better teamwork and hospital cohesion are particularly important within acute specialities.