Neonatal grid training experiences: a UK-wide survey

Level 3 neonatal subspecialty training is assessed by an outcomes-based curriculum and can be undertaken at one of 15 deaneries across the UK. We undertook a survey to collate the experience of neonatal grid trainees across the UK with regards to the training they are receiving, to assess if and how neonatal units offer support to grid trainees towards achieving their competencies. The results demonstrated a concerning disparity between trainees’ experience across the UK compared to the competency-based curriculum outlined by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, creating significant potential gaps in trainees’ experience in preparing them for the consultant role.

Anna Darbyshire
Neonatal Grid Registrar
anna.darbyshire@nhs.net

Oluwaseyi Alake
Consultant Neonatologist

Asha Shenvi
Consultant Neonatologist

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Royal Stoke University Hospital, University Hospitals of North Midlands

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Keywords

neonatal grid; neonatal training; subspecialty paediatric training

Key points

Neonatal grid training is outcomes-based and can be undertaken at one of 15 deaneries across the UK.
Our survey of neonatal grid trainees highlights potential gaps in training opportunities, particularly in clinical governance and management skills.
Training centres should recognise the unique training requirements of grid trainees and facilitate learning opportunities in clinical, management and leadership skills.
A model example from our centre is explained from a grid trainee's perspective.

Also published in Infant:

VOLUME 16/ISSUE 6, NOVEMBER 2020

Neonatologist-performed echocardiography: a pilot programme for delivering training and maintaining accreditation

Neonatologist-performed echocardiography is increasingly recognised as a useful clinical tool in the management of sick and often very preterm infants. However, robust training and governance processes, critical for neonatologists and their patients, are not routine in the UK. A variety of training ‘expert statements’ require collaboration between paediatric cardiology and neonatology services. We describe our successful experience of delivering this training within the UK higher specialist training programme and describe how this could be replicated in other training centres. UK certification and training programmes should be developed.