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If you find anything you feel would be helpful to others, please email me here.

 

 

 

OUT OF PROGRAMME EXPERIENCE (OOPE)

As you will be aware, the General Practice section of the Deanery has previously not allowed GPSTRs to take time out of programme apart from for statutory reasons i.e. sick and maternity leave. This policy has been different from the hospital side of the deanery and is out of line with the Gold Guide which allows for all doctors in training to potentially apply to take time OOP.

 

In order to harmonise with the hospital side, Deanery has put together an application form and guidance for GPSTRs. This should be regarded as an interim situation as the Deanery is currently revising the criteria for all OOP.

 

Deanery's view continues to be that OOP is undesirable for GPSTRs for the following reasons:

    1. The duration of training is short compared with training for hospital speciality training – at the end of training, GPSTRs will have the opportunity to take time out without disrupting their learning
    2. Continuity and integration of learning are important in order to assimilate the various and varied components of learning. This is made harder if there is a break in training.
    3. Some trainees still have time limits on their overall length of training.  If they were to go OOP and then need time off for statutory reasons, their earlier training might no longer count.
    4. This also applies to assessments which need to be completed within a time frame
    5. Unlike other specialities, out of programme experience is not likely to count towards the issue of the CCT

     

 

These are the key points about the application process:

 

    • The deadline for GPSTRs to submit completed applications for OOP for August 2009-2010  is the end of August 2008. This early deadline is so that you and we can take account of consequent gaps in the rota and be able to recruit into them
    • The GPSTR must obtain written permission and confirmation from the Training Programme Director as follows:

     

1       Has the trainee provided a job description / brief outline of the OOP which you have reviewed and discussed with them?  Y/N    
2       Will the OOP provide appropriate educational opportunities for the trainee?     Y/N    
3       Is the trainee currently making satisfactory progress in their training?        Y/N    
4       Are you satisfied that the OOP can be accommodated without unreasonable detriment to the service rotas? Y/N    
5       Is the proposed start date acceptable? If no please state your recommendations          Y/N    

 

We must be mindful of Q4 as it is important that we maximise training capacity and do not have unfilled gaps.


A panel will consider ALL applications during September and will advise which (if any) requests can be allowed

 

Trainees who are starting their training in August 08 who are hoping to take time OOP in August 09: this may be possible but you need to be aware that if for any reason you are not making satisfactory progress during your first 12 months then permission would be withdrawn.