ROYAL GLAMORGAN VTS
Registrar Induction
Registrar Induction : handy hints
This document is for the combined use of the Registrar and Trainer. It is helpful for each
to have a copy. As Course Organisers we review this document regularly to try and
incorporate the most up to date information. We welcome feedback on the format and
content. The average length of the induction period is two to three weeks.
Areas that Trainers should cover during induction:
1. Look at Contracts
Do you have a contract with the Registrars?
There is a standard GP registrar contract (as recommended by the BMA) and this can be
accessed on the website. Have they read it with you or the manager?
Are they clear that they cannot perform locum work of any sort during the
Registrar year as the contract makes this illegal?
Are they clear that any sickness in excess of 2 weeks during the year may
result in them having to extend their training?
Annual leave entitlement is 5 weeks and study leave is 30 days which is at the discretion
of your GP trainer.
2. Perform a Learning Needs Assessment with the Registrar
Previous experience in their hospital jobs is obviously a likely guide to gaps in their
knowledge base. Ask the Registrar to bring with them their SHO portfolio – this will
show up gaps in their previous learning.
Discuss attitudes and responsibilities regarding learning during the year.
Emphasise reading: BMJ / RCGP access / see booklist and website list below
Consider subscription to Update and Doctor or GP for the Reg.
Discuss I.T. literacy and use of internet / searching for evidence.
In the library is a curriculum list for General Practice Registrars.
3. Discuss the use of GP Registrar Folder
This folder contains all important milestones and guides you through the whole GP
registrar year .Completed educational event forms should also be kept in this file. These
forms should facilitate documentation of material for appraisal e.g. audits, significant
event analyses, presentations, lectures attended, complaints etc. Recording of events can
also be done on the appraisal database once you have registered
4. The OOH document should be completed monthly.
The OOH requirement has now been set nationally at 72 hours per year. You are not
expected to do any OOH in your first month of GP training. There is a standard form to
record each OOH event and guidance on the specific educational objectives for OOH.
ROYAL GLAMORGAN VTS
Both can be downloaded from the registrar page of the website. At the present time OOH
provision is to be arranged for the RGH scheme.
5. Meet with all members of PHC Team and understand their roles
Set written objectives for the time spent with each team member: Manager / Reception
Staff / Computing Staff / Practice Nurses / District Nurses / HVs / Midwives / Pharmacist
This is a standard part of all induction programmes.
6. Explain practice policies, guidelines and protocols
Many of these are now held on computer. The Reg should know what information there is
and how to access it promptly.
7. Computing skills training
Part medical for data entry / Read Codes / part admin / Audit / Practice intranet.
8. Explain VTS Half Day Release / Study Leave
The Half Day Release programme is available on the website. Attendance is mandatory.
9. Address certain specific induction topics – these are compiled from Registrar
comments re early needs
** The computer system – achieving competence **
Referrals : how / who / where
Prescribing / Practice formulary
Sickness Certification and “forms” in general
Emergencies : equipment / doctor’s bag
Telephone consultations
Management of minor illness
Non NHS fees
Substance abuse issues
Video cameras : getting used to the technicalities