11 The role of junior doctors in teaching clinical skills to the multi-professional team

• Published in: BMJ leader Vol. 1; no. Suppl 1; pp. A7 - A8
• Main Authors: Stockton, Louisa, Knight, Kirsty, Brydon, Peter
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group LTD 01.10.2017
• Subjects: Blood; Health care; Health care management; Job satisfaction; Leadership; Managerial skills; Medical personnel; Physicians; Quality of care; Questionnaires; Teaching; Training; Working conditions
• ISSN: 2398-631X; 2398-631X
• DOI: 10.1136/leader-2017-FMLM.11

BackgroundTimely completion of venepuncture and cannulation is crucial to patient safety but balancing the heavy workload of a junior doctor is difficult, particularly whilst on-call. Cannulation and venepuncture are often considered extended skills for Health Care Assistants (HCAs) and nurses, and training currently relies on clinical skills departments with turnover restricted by large volumes of trainees and long waiting lists.AimTo set up a junior doctor-led training programme that engages Health Care Professionals (HCPs) in venepuncture and cannulation with the aim of improving patient experience and reducing pressure on junior doctors.MethodsQuestionnaires were distributed to thirty HCAs throughout the Royal United Hospital in Bath, identifying that only 15% were trained in venepuncture and cannulation. Questionnaires distributed to junior doctors demonstrated that an average 12% of their shift was spent taking blood and cannulating. 100% of junior doctors indicated that the ability of HCAs to cannulate and perform venepuncture would improve the outcome of their shift.OutcomeWe designed a doctor-led cannulation and venepuncture programme for HCPs. We trained junior doctors as instructors during a two-hour session. Subsequent training of HCPs consisted of a theoretical workbook, a 3 hour practical laboratory session, mentoring on the ward and finally sign-off as competent.ResultsFollowing a successful pilot, we have trained 12 HCPs. Qualitative feedback has been extremely positive, citing increased job satisfaction from HCPs through improved team involvement, and from junior doctors, through teaching and mentoring.ConclusionBy relieving the burden of basic clinical skills, the on-call doctor will have more time to review patients. This project will advance junior doctor teaching skills, enhance HCP job satisfaction, and improve patient experience through timely interpretation of blood results and administration of intravenous medications.