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].