Foundation year doctors at Heartlands Hospital have been recognised for achieving outstanding results in a new and innovative virtual training scheme.
The training programme, designed to enhance patient care and further improve patient safety in hospitals, saw doctors starting out in their careers undertake a series of online training assessments in core areas of medicine. Those with scores placing them in the top 20 percent were awarded a certificate and congratulated by Hospital medical director, Dr Aresh Anwar.
Known as VITAL (Virtual Interactive Teaching and Learning) for doctors, the scheme is part of the national Better Training Better Care initiative commissioned by Health Education England (HEE).90 Trust foundation year doctors took part in the programme which consists of eleven modules of online training in topics including falls, better nutrition, fluid management and early safe discharge to name a few, with self assessments, audio podcasts, and social networking forums to support their learning.
Data from the scheme, collected anonymously, will be used to monitor any changes in doctors’ self assessments scores and improvements in prescribing data.
Foundation year one doctor, Katie Stout, achieved the highest score in the first phase of the programme across the Trust. She said: “I think the VITAL for Doctors programme is an excellent way to improve and revise knowledge in the ward based setting. It’s a bit different from medical school with the modules focused on skills that can be implemented on the wards. I was surprised to achieve the highest score but really pleased with this result.”
Dr Aresh Anwar, said: “This is an important time for foundation year doctors at the Trust, and with this role comes the responsibility to be open, honest and willing to challenge and this requires some self reflection.
“To be taking part in this training programme reflects well on those doctors and sets them aside, so those that have done so well should be proud as it demonstrates professionalism and dedication.”
For further information about the programme contact the VITAL for Doctors team at Vitalfordoctors@heartofengland.nhs.uk
