Hisham Khalil, University of Plymouth Peninsula Medical School
Claire Kelly, University of Plymouth Peninsula Medical School
Ann Rigby-Jones, University of Plymouth Peninsula Medical School
Jennifer Jones, University of Plymouth Peninsula Medical School
Purpose
Fitness to Practise (FtP) is a core requirement for a health professions student’s education. The guidelines for FtP are usually formulated by the regulator of the relevant profession in thenindividual countries. The implementation of the guidelines is a function of the bodies responsible for undergraduate and postgraduate health professions training. There is a need to instruct Faculty in the various domains of FtP.
Methods
We introduced a Faculty development workshop focused on FtP as it relates to health professions students. Our first workshop was delivered to Faculty involved in the training of Medicine students. The workshop plan included background information on the number of students involved in FtP, their programmes, stage of FtPas well as guidelines and statistics from the regulator. A summary of available support for students was presented. Participants took part in small groups discussions of 4 FtP scenarios including themes of academic misconduct, professionalism, probity, and health. Participants then commented on a video of a simulated stage 1, supportive FtP meeting. At the end of the workshop, participants were requested to complete an online evaluation questionnaire.
Results
Forty faculty participated in the first workshop. Twenty-three participants completed the online questionnaire (57.5%). 95.6% of respondents thought the topic were very relevant or relevant to their roles, topics were very useful or useful, and that their knowledge was greatly improved or improved after the workshop. 82.6% of respondents felt very confident or confident to implement the knowledge they had learned with 17.4% feeling somewhat confident. Free text comments suggested a need for more time for the workshop and using more scenarios.
Conclusion
A FtP workshop for healthcare professions Faculty, is effective for enhancing their knowledge of FtP and their confidence applying this knowledge.