Ranking of urology registrar placements within a region. An SAC pilot

SummaryBackgroundThere is a continual desire to improve educational standards, demonstrate quality assurance of training and to respond to the growing pressure to reduce SpR numbers. Any reduction would need to be based on an assessment which looks at educational value and trainee experience. We describe our experience using a tool to rank urology registrar posts in a single region.Methods and materialsAn assessment scoring tool was created with equal trainee and trainer components. The trainee and trainer elements were developed from the proposed JCST trainee assessment and the GMC standards for trainers, with a maximum score of 200 achievable. Higher scores could be obtained by the unit being pro-active with educational activities. This tool was completed by all the training units and trainees within a single region.ResultsResults were obtained from all units within the region, with scores ranging from 130 to 168 (mean 149). Units scoring highly in trainee components also scored highly in the trainer component.ConclusionThis tool allows objective assessment of training posts using evidence from the training unit, trainee and TPD. Incorporating this data into the annual ARCP would potentially improve the process. There was widespread support for repeating the exercise and the tool provided a powerful means of engagement in improving training.