From the beginning it was clear that a mechanism was required to assemble information about the posts and views on the quality of training provided. Comparisons over time and between posts would be essential. Current routine systems could not provide the information required so a questionnaire was designed which could be used six-monthly i.e., at the end of each posting. The design was based on experiences reported by others and the local design was piloted and assessed for validity and reliability. Data is assembled by Joan Dunleavy of the Wessex Research Network and reviewed by Mark Mullee of the Department of Computing and Statistics at Southampton University.
Anonymised data is fed back in a variety of ways, by tables, bar charts etc.
Data from the questionnaire is used alongside information collected from statements from senior house officers, consultants, course organisers, and clinical tutors and data available from other sources such as attendance register. So far 64 SHOs have taken part in the work as they rotated through sixteen different posts on the GP vocational training scheme. 59 Problems suspected in posts have been confirmed such as low rates of induction, appraisal systems and contact with general practice. New problems that emerged were difficulty in obtaining study leave, low rates of consultation before contract changes, lack of clarity about routes for complaints, and lack of awareness about stress support. The system now in place allows information about the training posts to be provided on a regular basis to the course organisers and consultants involved.