National Training Surveys: background

In 2005 a national survey of medical trainees was begun by a collaboration of Postgraduate Deaneries across the UK.

The purpose of the survey is to gather feedback from trainees to help local education providers such as hospitals and general practices improve their training practice. It also helps postgraduate deaneries manage training programmes, which are usually delivered across a number of different local education providers.

The survey was adopted and developed by the newly formed Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board (PMETB). PMETB merged with the GMC in April 2010 and we have run the 2010 and 2011 National Training Surveys.

The trainee survey is comprised of a set of core questions which test trainees’ perceptions of training providers’ compliance with our standards, and specialty specific questions set by Royal Colleges and Faculties which test their perceptions of the quality of delivery of the curricula. It is a unique opportunity for managers of training programmes to hear the views of their trainees.

In 2012 we worked with trainees postgraduate deaneries and medical royal colleges to enhance the survey. We improved the way we validate survey data, significantly reduced the number of questions for trainees and we provided more information in the survey reporting tool for those who manage training programmes. 

Surveying trainers

From 2007 PMETB also surveyed trainers to hear their views on training. We continued the trainer survey in 2010-11 but have paused the survey while we are working on a framework for recognising and valuing trainers.

Results

You can see results and reports from 2011 and previous surveys in our survey results page.