Make induction day more effective - add a few problems

Induction courses are important to introduce Pre-Registration House Officers (PRHOs) to their new place of work. Traditionally, such programmes employ lectures, small group discussion and demonstrations. They let PRHOs meet members of various hospital disciplines and services. Since 1991, an interactive induction programme has been held each August for new PRHOs in the Eastern Region of Scotland taking up posts in Dundee Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Feedback from participants allows the course to be refined each year. In 1995, three paper-based patient management problems (PMPs) were included in the induction programme. Response was favourable. Most of the participants (82%) suggested the PMPs should be used again, but that more time should be allocated to enable them to tackle the problems. By August 1996, we aimed to provide a relevant and interactive programme that encouraged PRHOs to make immediate use of hospital resources. Two PMPs, in print format described likely case histories, with tasks that mirrored the junior doctors' forthcoming responsibilities. Healthcare team members and laboratory staff provided support as did study boards displaying written sheets of relevant clinical information.

In the subsequent evaluation, the PMP component was rated highly by participants. They effectively triggered PRHOs to interact with hospital staff.

We conclude that PMPs provide a valuable learning experience for junior doctors and are a useful addition to an induction day programme. We plan to refine and increase the use of PMPs in undergraduate and postgraduate settings.