An evaluation of preparedness of foundation doctors during their first rotation in the NHS

Background: This paper aims to evaluate the preparedness of new foundation year one doctors (FY1) in their first rotation in the National Health Service (NHS) and identify the effects of an induction week, apprenticeship module, and how the new random allocation system impacts in wellbeing and confidence of FY1s.

Methods: An online questionnaire was completed anonymously by FY1s in North West Anglia. Thirty questions were asked relating to three topics: practical skills, wellbeing and hospital systems, to assess preparedness. Background information was also established. Data was collected and analysed.

Results: From the 37 responses (27 in Peterborough City Hospital (PCH) and nine in Hinchingbrooke Hospital), preparedness across the three categories was tested using a scale from one to five, five being very confident. 28 out of 30 (93.3%) skills showed a mean score of above three, and 11 out of 30 (36.7%) skills showed a mean score of above four.

Key Messages: This paper finds that FY1s coming from neighbouring universities showing increased levels of confidence. Preparedness differs across all categories with ‘practical skills’ having the highest mean scores. This paper is unable to comment on the effect of induction week and apprenticeship module with this sample size and a larger data set across different trusts would share further insight.