The London Academic Training Scheme (LATS): an evaluation

Area of Science:

• General Practice Education
• Medical Training Schemes
• Academic Medicine

Background:

• Vocational training schemes (VTS) inadequately prepare GPs for modern practice.
• Vocationally trained doctors are increasingly reluctant to take on principal GP roles.
• Post-VTS educational schemes, like LATS, are being developed to address these gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the first two years of the London Academic Training Scheme (LATS).
• Assess the scheme from the perspectives of registrars, departmental supervisors, and general practices.
• Examine the impact of LATS on registrar skill development and career progression.

Main Methods:

• Data collection via questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups.
• Data gathered at the beginning, during, and end of the LATS program.
• Evaluation focused on the initial cohorts of the LATS program.

Main Results:

• Registrars gained confidence and success in research, leading to publications.
• A significant proportion of registrars intended to pursue academic general practice in London.
• Supervisors reported positive departmental impacts, though some found supervision demanding.
• Participating practices noted benefits in clinical care and research involvement.

Conclusions:

• The LATS program effectively meets its immediate objectives.
• The scheme contributes to addressing GP recruitment and retention challenges in inner-city areas.
• Ongoing follow-up is planned to monitor long-term outcomes.