Introduction Every 4–6 months new junior doctors rotate through Gastroenterology departments across the UK. The General Medical Council recommends that induction and support mechanisms are in place so that junior doctors are able to deliver “safe, effective and efficient care to patients as soon as they start a new job.”¹We developed a Gastroenterology handbook containing relevant and important clinical information to be used nationally as part of the induction process for junior doctors.

Method In order to establish the need for such a resource we surveyed consultants and junior doctors from across the UK, and solicited advice on its content. We developed a first draft and sought the endorsement of the Trainees Section of the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG), who agreed to support the production of the handbook and verify its content. The content included resources for management of acute Gastroenterology conditions based on up-to-date consensus guidelines, and sections on procedural skills. Feedback from a focus group of junior doctors attending the BSG Gastroenterology Taster Conference was extremely positive. A second draft has been piloted on six junior doctors in the Gastroenterology department at Aintree University Hospital Liverpool.

Results Prior to developing the handbook, 22 Gastroenterology consultants from 16 NHS trusts were surveyed as to the perceived ‘need’ for such a resource as well as suggested content. 73% of departments had an induction meeting for new junior doctors, with 32% having pre-existing written induction material. A significant proportion (18%) had no induction for junior doctors. 68% of consultants felt that a national Gastroenterology handbook would improve the induction process at their trust. 12 junior doctors (FY1-CT2 level) in several trusts were also surveyed. 41% had no induction on starting their Gastroenterology rotation, and 75% were apprehensive about managing acutely unwell patients. All of the trainees believed that the Gastroenterology handbook would be a valuable resource. Survey responses suggested that the most important clinical scenarios to include were acute GI bleed, decompensated liver disease, and acute colitis.

Conclusion A standardised national clinical induction handbook for junior Doctors working in Gastroenterology does not already exist, and there is considerable appetite amongst junior doctors and Gastroenterology consultants for such a resource. We created a handbook with the aim of easing the transition of junior doctors joining Gastroenterology departments, and improving patient care. We intend to introduce the handbook nationally for the intake of doctors in August 2015.

Disclosure of interest None Declared.

Reference

1. GMC guidance, Induction and Mentoring; http://www.gmc-uk.org/guidance/ethical_guidance/11825.asp; accessed on 25.02.2015