The targets set for a period of training are not comprehensive. Many things are not specifically included but the learning plan sets the emphasis. Learning objectives may be achieved at any time during the relevant block of training. The learning plans allow trainees and teachers to know what should be being learnt at each stage of training. The plan taken as a whole covers all the clinical targets for anaesthetic training.
Clinical experience is defined to go with the learning plan.
The objectives are identified and clinical experience is described that will allow the objectives to be achieved. Subspecialty anaesthesia is learned as in the past by a system of repeated periods of exposure. Appropriate learning is now defined for each such period of experience. In many cases the assessments build upon one another. For instance the airway skills and cannulation tests will be demonstrated again in the course of theatre list assessments.