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20 Assessing the impact of placements in palliative medicine for core medical trainees (CMT)
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  1. Nicola Galliford and
  2. Zoe Palmer
  1. St Barnabas House Hospice, Worthing

Abstract

Introduction With nearly half of UK deaths occurring in hospital it is almost inevitable that doctors will be involved in the management of dying patients. The importance of good end-of-life care is well documented, however junior doctors feel unprepared for this in clinical practice. After identifying that few CMT Programmes included Palliative Medicine, we established a four month hospice post as part of the local hospital’s CMT rotation. Fifteen trainees have rotated through this post over the past five years.

Method Trainees were sent a survey to assess how they felt the rotation had impacted on their skills and career choices.

Results Ten trainees replied, three now work in palliative care, the remainder in various fields of medicine, anaesthetics or general practice. 80% had actively sought a CMT job with a palliative care, as they wanted experience in this, 80% felt the rotation had affected their future career choice. Respondents indicated the placement had increased their knowledge and confidence in end-of-life care, strengthened their communication skills, and positively impacted on their work now, regardless of current speciality.

Conclusions Overall the placement was well evaluated. It improved trainee’s knowledge and strengthened valuable skills that are transferrable to other specialities within medicine.

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