Take-home experience of overseas doctors at the end of their two years training placements in the International Doctors Training Programme in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the United Kingdom: A questionnaire-based study

Abstract

This was a questionnaire-based study of overseas doctors, who came to the United Kingdom through the International Doctors Training Programme (IDTP) of Obstetrics and Gynaecology during the period of 2009–2012. The study was conducted at the end of their two-years training placement to find out what went well, what did not go well, where problems were encountered, and how they could have been avoided. We traced 48 overseas doctors, 35 (73%) responded to our questionnaire. Only 30% (9) felt that less than 50% of their expectations were met during their training period, 73.3% (22) of them received adequate help and support from their supervisors and 83.3% (25) would recommend IDTP to their colleagues. In conclusion, identification of the educational needs of international trainees, establishing a framework for their effective supervision and streamlining their training programme, in collaboration with the Royal College, regional deaneries and hosting hospitals are essential pre-requisites for overseas doctors to get the most out of their training.