Journal Article

146 A lukewarm welcome to the NHS for international medical graduate doctors

Singh, Anandi

2023

Overview

Objectives15% of GMC [1] registered doctors are international medical graduates (IMGs). Despite this, there has been no standardised additional support provided at induction for this group. In 2022, The Welcoming and Valuing International Medical Graduate Guidance [2] set out the minimum standards for effective NHS induction and support.11 IMGs surveyed at Birmingham Children’s Hospital reported suboptimal induction that affected their clinical and personal integration. Following high level process mapping and fishbone analysis (figure 1) of the IMG induction process, an aim was established to improve the clinical integration of three newly appointed IMG colleagues in the general paediatrics department over a period of three months (May to August 2022). The measure used was improved confidence in using RCPCH ePortfolio. This is an important tool for the clinical integration of doctors in paediatrics as it provides a platform to record learning in all its forms and settings to monitor progress against the RCPCH curriculum [3] regardless of career route chosen (CCT, CESR or SAS).MethodsFour interactive focus group sessions were introduced and confidence levels in using the RCPCH ePortfolio before and after each session using Google forms were collated. The first session was virtual where an example of the RCPCH ePortfolio and its use was demonstrated. The next three sessions were face to face and guided by feedback provided after each session. Over these sessions colleagues logged into their own RCPCH ePortfolio for the first time to navigate it and were then supported in creating their first event. Subsequently, events that they independently created were reviewed. All three colleagues were encouraged to engage with the wider team for on-going RCPCH ePortfolio events.ResultsAll four sessions showed improved confidence in using RCPCH ePortfolio before and after each session. The first session showed the highest average improvement in confidence by 77%. The overall average confidence level improved by 44% after all four sessions were completed. All three colleagues recommended that these sessions should be part of all paediatric IMG doctor’s induction.Abstract 146 Figure 1Fishbone diagram of potential causes of suboptimal international medical graduate (IMG) doctor’s induction process[Image Omitted. See PDF.]ConclusionMore can be done to support IMGs in paediatrics particularly during their first induction process as outlined in The Welcoming and Valuing International Medical Graduate Guidance. Improving confidence in using RCPCH ePortfolio with regular mentorship meetings can help improve clinical integration as well as aid in future career progression. RCPCH trainees and supervisors are key to improving this support.ReferencesGMC Data Explorer https://data.gmc-uk.org/gmcdata/home/#/(2021)Welcoming and Valuing International Medical Graduates: A guide to induction for IMGs recruited to the NHS https://www.e-lfh.org.uk/programmes/nhs-induction-programme-for-international-medical-graduates/(2022)RCPCH ePortfolio guidance for doctors https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/rcpch-eportfolio-guidance-doctors (2022)

• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subject: Careers / Focus Groups / Guidance / Hospitals / Logical Thinking / Mentors / Orientations / Overseas employment / Pediatrics / Physicians / Public services