Evaluation of ‘Asked to see patient’: a regional near-peer teaching programme

Abstract

'Asked to see patient' (ATSP) is a near-peer teaching programme that aims to address the anxiety experienced during the transition from medical student to newly qualifi ed foundation year 1 (FY1) doctor. It is delivered annually in the North West of England Foundation School just prior to the August changeover date when new doctors may feel the most stressed. Each spring, a 'Teach the teachers' training day is advertised to existing FY1 doctors; the training equips them with the knowledge to become certifi ed ATSP teachers. Teachers subsequently deliver ATSP to incoming FY1 doctors at their trusts. Feedback on ATSP is collected from new FY1 doctors via an electronic survey. Results show that ATSP is well received, with 77% of newly qualifi ed doctors engaging with the programme in 2016. 'Asked to see patient' is a Health Education England-endorsed teaching programme that develops clini-cians who are structured and confi dent in their approach, and cultivates the clinical teacher in existing doctors.