Grouping specialty registrars in practice placements: a qualitative study

Over the last six years there has been a significant rise in specialty registrar (StR) numbers in the UK. This has been achieved in part by grouping StRs in practice placements and by some trainers supervising more than one registrar. This study looked at the experience of groups of doctor learners in general practice and explored the impact of a trainer supervising more than one StR. While care needs to be taken to maintain the one-to-one relationships, time for indi-vidual feedback and flexibility to meet individual needs, this group of StRs is reported to have had a predominantly positive experience of training in this way. These trainers reported that training in this way enhanced their job satisfaction and had a positive effect on the learning environment of their practices. In conclusion there appear to be gains to both learners and teachers in the educational experience offered by multiple training placements. The delivery of these placements requires a high level of organisation and commitment from trainers and practices, and careful supervision from vocational training schemes (VTS).