Training educational supervisors to support physician trainees returning to practice

Physicians take time out of training for a variety of reasons and, on their return, they often lack confidence and feel 'out of touch'. These trainees require enhanced support and concerns have been raised about trainers' lack of skills and knowledge in this area. A standardised workshop was developed and delivered to address this with a mixed-methods evaluation approach used to analyse data from participants before and after training. Quantitative analysis showed significant pre- to post-course improvements in trainers' ability to understand, explain and manage issues pertaining to trainees taking time out of training. Qualitative analysis yielded three 'learning' themes surrounding knowledge, understanding and awareness of support needed for returning trainees and three 'action' themes surrounding disseminating information, providing resources and actively supporting returning trainees. Framework analysis of follow-up interviews demonstrated not only retention of topics learned but also positive changes in behaviour.