Teaching and training

All doctors

1. 63. Many of the skills of being a doctor can be learnt only by specific, on the job training in the work placements begun at medical school and continuing through the early postgraduate years. Every doctor who comes into contact with trainee doctors, medical students and other healthcare professionals in training should act as a positive role model in their behaviour towards patients, colleagues and others.
2. 64. If you are formally involved in teaching in the workplace – for example, teaching trainee doctors on placements – you must develop the skills, attitudes and practices of a competent teacher. This includes respecting cultural diversity and making reasonable adjustments for those with a disability without affecting patient safety or educational outcomes.

Doctors with extra responsibilities

1. 65. If you are responsible for managing teaching and training in your organisation, you must make sure:
   
   
   1. a. Only people with the appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes carry out any teaching and training for which you are responsible.
   2. b. There are enough staff members from appropriate disciplines, and with the necessary skills and experience^*, to deliver teaching and training and to support the learning and development of trainees and students.
   3. c. Systems are in place to identify and record the educational and training needs of students, trainees and staff, including locums, so that the best use is made of the time and resources available for keeping knowledge and skills up to date.
   4. d. An appropriate environment for training is provided, including by implementing reasonable adjustments to meet individual trainees’ needs in line with the Equality Act 2010.¹³
   5. e. You provide opportunities for those you manage to keep up to date and develop their skills as teachers and trainers, and make sure that there are systems in place for regular feedback and appraisal of those skills.