The non specialist paediatric training registrar in the healthcare system

This study evaluated the experiences of non Specialist Paediatric Training Registrars (nonSPTR) in the Irish Healthcare system. The survey explored their adaptation to the healthcare system, skill development, perceptions of training and career development inclusive of working conditions. Thirty nine (53%) doctors responded. The time spent in Paediatrics ranged from 3 to 19 years with a mean of 8.9 years. Nineteen (49%) had only worked in non regional hospitals and for 20 (51%) the mean time spent in regional hospitals was 2.6 years. The very positives experiences (likert scores 5/6) included journal appraisal for 19 (49%), clinical skill development for 17 (44%) and consultant feedback for 11 (28%).The very negative experiences were difficulty obtaining desired clinical posts for 16 (43%) doctors and only 5 (13%) were happy with their career progression. Thirty one (79.5%) cited specific barriers to career progression, with only 10 (25%) making an application to the Specialist Paediatrics Registrar (SPR) training programme. Solutions for the non SPTR difficulties include the expansion of the SPR programme and the utilization of a criterion based portfolio system to integrate the nonSPTR into formal training.