Prevocational Supervision Training Package Video 4 - Beginning of Term Discussion

Summary

This video offers guidance for conducting the beginning-of-term discussion with a prevocational doctor, focusing on setting clear expectations and learning outcomes. It highlights the importance of building a strong supervisor-doctor relationship, assessing progress from previous terms, and addressing social and emotional well-being. The video provides practical examples and discusses the significance of cultural safety, as well as offering tips for enhancing clinical skills during rotations. By effectively managing this discussion, supervisors can contribute to better outcomes for both the prevocational doctor and their patients.

Takeaways

• 😀 Clear expectations and learning outcomes should be established during the beginning of term discussion to ensure the success of the prevocational doctor.
• 😀 A planned introduction between the supervisor and the prevocational doctor helps build a strong relationship and ensures the doctor feels supported.
• 😀 Supervisors should discuss previous rotations, progress, and any concerns the prevocational doctor may have to provide tailored guidance for the new term.
• 😀 Supervisors must ensure the prevocational doctor has received proper orientation to the unit for their social and emotional well-being.
• 😀 The beginning of term discussion should cover clinical learning goals, prevocational outcomes, and specific skills the doctor wants to develop.
• 😀 Regular check-ins, including midterm and end-of-term assessments, should be scheduled to evaluate the progress and address any issues.
• 😀 Cultural safety is an essential part of every term, and supervisors should encourage ongoing development in this area for all doctors, with special consideration for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors.
• 😀 The supervisor should actively address the social and emotional well-being of the prevocational doctor, offering support and directing them to appropriate resources.
• 😀 Supervisors should consider any progress issues from previous terms, especially if the prevocational doctor faced challenges in their earlier rotations.
• 😀 Supervisors should be proactive in offering resources and support for the prevocational doctor's needs, including cultural or religious considerations, such as the availability of prayer rooms.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of the beginning of term discussion?

The primary purpose of the beginning of term discussion is to set clear expectations, establish learning outcomes, and ensure the social and emotional well-being of the prevocational doctor. This sets them up for success during the term, contributing to better outcomes for patients.

How can a supervisor build a relationship with a prevocational doctor?

A supervisor can build a relationship with a prevocational doctor by engaging in an interactive conversation, discussing their progress in previous terms, addressing concerns or anxieties, and focusing on their learning and development. Taking the time to understand the doctor’s background and career interests also helps foster a positive relationship.

What should a supervisor do if a prevocational doctor has concerns about a term?

If a prevocational doctor has concerns about a term, the supervisor should acknowledge the concerns, offer support, and create a plan to address specific challenges. For example, if a doctor is anxious about emergency medicine due to past experiences, the supervisor can ensure they receive opportunities to develop the necessary skills and build confidence.

Why is cultural safety an important consideration in medical training?

Cultural safety is important because it ensures that medical practice is respectful and responsive to the cultural needs of all patients, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It is a lifelong learning practice that should be integrated into every medical term to promote inclusive and equitable care.

How should a supervisor address previous areas of concern or improvement for a prevocational doctor?

A supervisor should address areas of concern by reviewing previous assessments, discussing the specific skills or competencies needing improvement, and setting clear learning objectives for the current term. Offering structured opportunities to practice those skills, such as presenting cases to senior doctors, can help the prevocational doctor improve.

What are some examples of learning objectives in an emergency term?

In an emergency term, learning objectives typically include developing concise presentations, practicing focused history-taking, improving Handover skills, and managing undifferentiated patients. Supervisors should also ensure that prevocational doctors get exposure to a variety of clinical presentations.

How can a supervisor support a prevocational doctor’s social and emotional well-being?

A supervisor can support a prevocational doctor’s social and emotional well-being by providing regular check-ins, discussing any personal or professional concerns, offering encouragement, and ensuring they are aware of available support services, such as prayer rooms or counseling services. Proactively addressing potential issues can help alleviate stress.

What is the significance of the term description in the beginning of term discussion?

The term description provides high-level information about the operational aspects of the term, key contacts, learning objectives, and expected outcomes. It serves as a guide for both the supervisor and the prevocational doctor, ensuring they are aligned on the goals for the term.

Why is it important to confirm that the prevocational doctor has read the term description and learning objectives?

Confirming that the prevocational doctor has read the term description and learning objectives ensures they understand the expectations and can plan their learning accordingly. It also allows for any clarifications or adjustments to be made, helping them stay on track with their development.

How should supervisors handle cultural and personal needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prevocational doctors?

Supervisors should be proactive in acknowledging and addressing the specific cultural and personal needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prevocational doctors. This may include offering flexibility to meet cultural obligations, providing information about cultural safety support services, and ensuring that the doctor feels comfortable expressing any needs.