Why is shadowing important?

Transition from medical student to doctor is stressful

An average of 35% of new doctors are moving foundation school

A period of 1 week of shadowing the outgoing F1 doctor has been recommended by the GMC in ‘Tomorrow’s doctors’ and the ‘New Doctor’

The purpose of shadowing

Familiarise new doctors with:– The day-to-day work of the F1 doctor

– Clinical setting and hospital facilities

– Clinical team

Encourage confidence in new role

Meet a supportive peer group prior to commencing work

Ensure all new doctors are aware of the ‘first day competencies’ of the F1 role

Key Drivers

Patient Safety

New doctor preparedness

Improved quality of service to patients

Preparedness to practice

Patient Safety

New doctor feedback

“Shadowing was the single most valuable teaching

experience in my career to date. I can’t stress how

important it was”

“Getting access to IT logins and passwords early meant I could check bloods/ imaging

independently and then report back to the F1”

“The best part was shadowing an out of hours shift. I learnt so much and

gave me a lot of confidence”

“Shadowing made me realise that all doctors feel nervous before starting work – my F1

really put me at ease and gave me loads of tips”

Vision

By July 2011, all appointees to the Foundation Programme will have the opportunity to undertake a high quality shadowing placement.

Shadowing should last at least a week and be undertaken as close to the time of employment as possible

Arrangements for placements will be developed through partnership working between the medical school, foundation school and employing trust

What can new doctors do?

Enthusiastic and engaged at induction and shadowing

Complete paperwork on time

Ensure GMC registration and professional indemnity insurance obtained

Feedback to medical staffing

Be prepared to be shadowed the following July

What can you do?

Actively seek feedback from F1s

Collaborative working with Foundation School and medical school

Work closely with IT to ensure timely access to EPR, reporting systems

Recognise induction and shadowing as the first step in a potentially 40 year career

Conclusions

Value new doctors as the future of the service and facilitate their transition

Shadowing and induction are the first steps in long NHS careers

You have the power to help shape careers through provision of meaningful, well organised, shadowing and induction periods