Wish for Consultant support and training in early years of
training.
Most trainees irrespective of experience or gender expressed the need
for more training and supervision by consultant obstetricians in their
early years.
“… when I was a Junior.., I had a consultant teach me
whereas if you don’t have that and if you have an SpR (HST) who’s very
junior teaching you, they themselves want to do the deliveries and they
mightn’t be comfortable…you need to have done a good few yourself
before you can teach someone else.” [HST4]
“….further teaching and higher-level teaching from consultants,
people who’ve been in it for 20-25 years. I’ve certainly learned a huge
amount from some of the senior consultants from even one or two
deliveries. Certain things that they’ve picked up with years, that they
can spot a problem easier than somebody who doesn’t have as much
training .” [BST3]
“….worked for a consultant who was really interested in
teaching good technique with the kiwi. I think it’s also important to do
deliveries independently to get confident.” [HST3]
Trainees felt a supportive consultant’s supervision increased their
confidence and improved competence; this sentiment was shared by
trainees of all levels independent of their gender.
“Doing a trial in theatre it is nice to have a second opinion and
a supportive consultant at your side”. [HST5].