This Guide to Foundation Programme Training in General Practice is intended to be exactly that. Every practice is different and will offer different learning opportunities for their Foundation doctor. This guide is not intended to be either definitive or prescriptive but a framework that you can build on and adapt to suit your circumstances.
The Programme is designed to train doctors in the following areas:
1. Acute clinical care
2. Professional skills
It emphasises the following:
1. The programme is trainee led
2. Experience of the primary-secondary interface is important
3. There is a programme of assessment which the trainee organises
4. The trainee engages in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and becomes familiar with the process of life-long learning in their professional life
5. The programme is organised by the Foundation School and a network of Educational and Clinical Supervisors support the trainees’ activities and under-pin the Foundation Programme philosophy
6. Supervisors and trainees are trained in the use of the assessment tools and the Foundation Programme activities
Fifty per cent of all Foundation doctors in Wessex have the opportunity to experience a 3 or 4-month placement in general practice. In accordance with the Collins Report (2010) we aim to increase these numbers.
The content of these guidelines are drawn from:
- experiences of Wessex Foundation Doctors
- experiences of GP Clinical Supervisors
- experiences of the Deanery team working on the Foundation Programme
- national guidelines and directives
Many readers are already experienced teachers of GP Registrars or Medical Students, for others this is a very new undertaking but we hope that everyone will find it helpful in one way or another.
For the purpose of this guide the terms ‘trainer’ or ‘GP Supervisor’ or ‘Clinical Supervisor’ refers to the person nominated by the practice (and agreed by the Deanery) to have responsibility for the Foundation Programme doctor who is learning in General Practice.