Supporting the transition to becoming a medical registrar

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Physician training is seeing increasing numbers of doctors adopting the role of medical registrar. Non-clinical as well as clinical responsibilities are a source of great anxiety prior to trainees assuming this role. METHODS A standardised, blended, 1-day course to address the needs of doctors transitioning to become a medical registrar was designed and delivered across four hospitals. A mixed methods evaluation approach was employed to assess the effect of the course. RESULTS Thirty-four trainees approaching the transition to becoming a medical registrar participated. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of participants' written feedback showed a significant pre- to post-course increase in candidates' self-reported confidence in undertaking the medical registrar role along with learning in non-technical skills. DISCUSSION This course was shown to be effective in helping to improve the confidence of trainees approaching the medical registrar role. The carefully designed standardised format may facilitate wider expansion of such training.