CT3 equivalent post survey report

This report presents findings and recommendations arising from a survey of anaesthetists whose training was affected in the transition to the 2021 curriculum.

The survey was conducted by the College in partnership with the Association of Anaesthetists and the British Medical Association. Our aim was to understand more about the experiences of anaesthetists in training who completed core training on the 2010 curriculum and were required to obtain the remaining Stage 1 competencies outside of a training post, including those deemed ‘CT3 equivalent’. We published a summary of findings from the survey last year and this report represents a fuller account alongside a number of recommendations. 

It is clear that, despite best efforts, the curriculum transition has negatively affected people both personally and professionally. On behalf of the College, I apologise unreservedly for that.

The findings provide important insight into the impact on the wellbeing, employment and salary of members who were affected, as well as on the educational quality of the posts themselves. I thank everyone who participated in the survey. As the report describes, many respondents experienced significant upheaval and stress, exacerbated by the impact of the pandemic. It is important for the College to acknowledge and understand that and to learn from it in the event of any future curricular transitions.

We are fully committed to implementing the report’s recommendations, many of which are already in train. At the time of the curriculum transition we sought to support those in CT3 ‘equivalent’ posts, including through the provision of a set of common standards for trusts and health boards to ensure the content of such posts provided doctors with a suitable level of training. As recommended, we will remind employers and departments of their responsibilities for ensuring these posts are fit for their intended purpose.

Many respondents noted the support they received from colleagues at the time, including from College Tutors and Regional Advisers. However, we fully accept the report’s findings that the release of guidance and information may not have kept pace with the needs of anaesthetists in this position to adapt plans for their personal and professional lives. We will continue to support this cohort of anaesthetists in line with the recommendations made in the report.

We are also committed to increasing our support for anaesthetists in training more generally and this report will help inform that work. For example, we will work with Schools of Anaesthesia to try and avoid short, frequent rotations which we know can be detrimental to the work-life balance and life choices of anaesthetists in training. We will also provide additional support to recognise experience gained outside a training programme when people re-enter training.

Once again, I thank everyone who participated in the survey, including those involved in its design and delivery and everyone who has sought to support this cohort of anaesthetists to complete their training. The survey’s findings and the personal accounts provided have helped us learn valuable lessons for the future. 

Dr Fiona Donald
President