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Does training less-than-full-time predict performance at the FRCR exams?: a UKMED cohort study
J Pakpoor1, C Chew2, Y Al-Tawarah3
1Centre for Medical Imaging, Charles Bell House, 43-45 Foley Street, London W1W 7TS, UK; University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University College Hospital, UK.
Clinical Radiology
|October 23, 2024
Summary
Less-than-full-time (LTFT) trainees in the UK showed lower pass rates in the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) 2A and 2B exams. Further investigation is needed to address this training equity gap.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Radiology Training
- Health Workforce Research
Background:
- The proportion of less-than-full-time (LTFT) trainees in the National Health Service (NHS) is increasing.
- There is limited data on the postgraduate training outcomes of LTFT trainees.
- Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) examinations are crucial for radiology training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate performance differences between LTFT and full-time trainees in FRCR examinations.
- To identify factors associated with FRCR exam performance.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of UK trainees taking FRCR Part 1, 2A, and 2B exams (2014-2021).
- Analysis included sociodemographic variables linked to trainee performance.
- Chi-square tests and multivariate regression analyses were used to assess associations with exam performance.
Main Results:
- LTFT trainees constituted 3.0% of Part 1, 10.0% of 2A, and 13.2% of 2B candidates.
- Women and trainees over 34 were more likely to be LTFT.
- Adjusted analyses showed LTFT trainees were significantly less likely to pass FRCR 2A (OR:0.51) and 2B (OR:0.55) exams.
- Ethnicity, age, and region of medical degree were also associated with FRCR pass rates.
Conclusions:
- LTFT trainees demonstrate lower pass rates in FRCR 2A and 2B exams, even after adjusting for demographic factors.
- Royal Colleges and Training Programmes should investigate the reasons for this performance disparity.
- Efforts are needed to promote equitable training opportunities for LTFT trainees.
