Return to training documents are for anaesthetic registrars returning to practice after a prolonged period of absence . These documents aim to assist training supervisors and trainees achieve a structured and safe return to work after a period of absence.
The Pre-Absence from Training Form ideally should have been completed before any period of anticipated leave and should be referred to as part of preparation for return to work.
The Pre-Return to Training Form should be used to document a review 6 - 8 weeks before the trainee returns to work, to plan how the re-introduction period should be spent and to help prepare the trainee for their return. This form also includes sections to record supervised sessions, compulsory return review and return to training sign off.
There are no compulsory assessments as part of the return to practice process. The RCoA suggests that trainees who have had less than 12 months anaesthetic experience prior to a period of leave should repeat the Initial Assessment of Competence as part of their return to work. Other grades of doctors may like to use the Anaesthesia List Management Assessment Tool (ALMAT) for theatre lists or the Acute Care Assessment Tool (ACAT) for Intensive Care or the Emergency setting.
For Educational Supervisors / Clinical Supervisors during the re-introduction period
In addition to the questions covered by the paperwork you may like to consider:
Has the period of leave been extended beyond that which was originally planned? If so, what was the impact of this?
How does the doctor feel about their confidence and skills level? Have any new issues arisen since the doctor was last in post which may affect this?
Have there been any changes since the doctor was last in post, within the department, hospital or specialty?
Has a supernumerary period been organised? The expectation is that up to 2 weeks supernumerary might be required.
For Trainees
There are no mandatory requirements that dictate what preparation is necessary before returning to work. However, you have a duty to ensure that you are safe to return to practice. It is normal to lack confidence and you can use this period to address any issues, before you may be working solo again.
There is now detailed guidance about RTT drawn up by Laura Oakley and Sam Jayaweera, with all your questions answered.
Click here to access this guidance, and see below for a summary of the SuppoRTT initiative.
In addition there is detailed information about maternity leave, written by Laura Oakley and Jo Cudlipp, on how to navigate the forms and pay you are entitled to. Please click here to access this fantastic resource.
Your personal CPD to prepare for returning to work should include:
o Familiarisation with any recent updates to guidelines that have been published during your period of leave e.g. Difficult Airway Society Guidelines, Resuscitation Council Guidelines, GMC Guidance, AAGBI publications
o Revision of the management of anaesthetic emergencies as necessary.
Supported Return to Training (SuppoRTT)
NHS England recognises that Doctors in Training take time out their training programme for a number of reasons, such as parental leave, OOP, carers leave and sickness. Returning to training, regardless of the reason can be a difficult and stressful time for trainees.
NHS England is committed to supporting trainees to return to training after a period of extended absence (3 months or more). The Supported Return to Training (SuppoRTT) initiative aims to support trainees with their confidence, skills and knowledge so that they can safely and confidently return to practice within their training programme.
Please apply to the NHS England Thames Valley RTT Team for funding to attend RTT courses (the RTT budget is separate from the study leave budget).
Professional Development Coaching
All trainees returning after a break of three months or longer can access up to three sessions of professional development coaching to support their return. These sessions can be arranged during the period of three months prior to return and up to six months after. If you would like to book a coaching session, you must first complete your Return to Training Pre-Return form with your Educational Supervisor. After this meeting, and on submission of the form you can request coaching and we will forward this to one of the SuppoRTT coaches.