UK Shape of Training steering group: report

8. Anticipated benefits

8.1 It is important that implementation of the SoTR recommendations leads to tangible benefits for patients, doctors and service providers. Further, these benefits must justify embarking on the process of change. The UKSTSG has undertaken an analysis of the benefits that are likely to accrue for patients if the key principles of the SoTR are implemented. These are explained in annex 6 and outlined for each College proposals in appendix 1. Achieving these benefits will serve as the test of success of this work.

In summary, the anticipated benefits are:

For patients

• Will improve patient care in hospitals and in the community
• Will improve the continuity of patient care which would allow for the implementation of the proposal for a named clinician for patients
• Will support the delivery of more care in the community
• Will allow patients to influence medical education and training
• Will better equip doctors with the skills to meet the needs of the population
• Will allow patients access to specialist doctors when that is appropriate

For service providers

• Will support the sustainability of acute hospital services by equipping more doctors with the skills to manage and provide continuity of care for unscheduled admissions
• Will support and enhance the delivery of more care in the community in integrated multi-disciplinary teams emphasizing the provision of care closer to the patient's home
• Will allow future service providers to influence the design and number of training opportunities
• Will develop the workforce to support the transformation of services as described in the strategic plans of the UK Departments of Health
• Will provide for the appropriate specialisation of doctors to meet patient need

For doctors

• Will improve the quality of training
• Will increase the flexibility for doctors to change career pathways and take career breaks
• Will support the recognition of previous learning
• Will make training more competency rather than time based
• Will build upon the concept of life long support and learning
• Will enhance the training and careers of general practitioners
• Will improve the provision of mentoring support for doctors and safeguard patients at transition points such as when consultants are appointed

Other benefits

• Will support the development of academic careers and give doctors the flexibility to undertake research