GP Courses.

This course is targeted at trainees thought likely to struggle with the exam. These trainees are identified by selection scores, performance in practice or at mock CSA. The day involves exploring the exam and consultation issues in detail, followed by examiner and trainer observed simulations with feedback.

Length of course: One day

Frequency of the course: It is held throughout the year, in line with the exam sittings

How to book: To book a place, please contact educationevents.yh@hee.nhs.uk 

Fourteen Fish offers different packages for AKT and CSA support, GP School will purchase the AKT package for all Y&H trainees who are in an extension due to AKT failure. Trainees in extension due to CSA failure will also have the CSA package purchased for them.

What is the SOX?

Standing for Support on Extension, the SOX programme has been designed for those GP trainees who have not passed the CSA exam within the allotted 3 year training programme therefore requiring an extension to their training in order to be able to re-sit and, hopefully, pass the exam. Dedicated SOX educators meet with the trainee and their trainer to analyse trainees’ consulting behaviours. A purpose-built CSA toolkit is used alongside a learning need assessment to develop a written educational plan. The trainee and the trainer then use the plan together to improve consultation skills, expand clinical knowledge and hone examination technique before re-attempting the CSA.

What does it include?

• Self-directed learning – trainees are supported to identify individual learning needs and develop bespoke plans for themselves.
• A team of dedicated educators – existing educators and examiners are recruited and trained to become the SOX CSA team providing support to trainees and their trainers.
• CSA Tool and Toolkit – a learning needs assessment CSA tool has been developed to assess problem areas and a CSA toolkit to plan educational strategies which would facilitate improvement. The tool and toolkit touch on all areas tested by the CSA exam including clinical knowledge and interpersonal skills. The toolkit links to the corresponding areas.  (http://www.rcgp.org.uk/training-exams/mrcgp-exams-overview/mrcgp-clinical-skills-assessment-csa.aspx)
• Mock CSA examination – trainees are invited to attend a SOX educational session which includes recording a mock CSA exam of three simulated patient stations. They complete a self-assessment questionnaire to identify weak areas of curriculum knowledge.
• Multi-faceted assessment - SOX Educators independently assess each trainee’s mock CSA videos using the tool and toolkit. They plan educational activities which address the individual’s problem areas. The educators also assess the trainee’s curriculum gaps and progress to certification on the RCGP learning portfolio. This multifaceted assessment enables them to produce a personalised support package.
• Face to face meeting and educational plan – The CSA SOX educator leads half-day sessions with trainees and trainers in their training practice focussing on the holistic needs of the learning needs assessment.
• Ongoing Support – Trainers re-assess the trainee’s progress regularly with the aim of identifying the point where the trainee is ready to sit the exam.
• Support materials – CSA support access is given through Fourteenfish

Results:

The results from the North West have been impressive, with a marked increase in pass rates for re-sit candidates. Along with the East of England, we are the only other area offering the Sox programme.