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Within the Northern Deanery, there is a significant proportion of Respiratory Higher Specialist trainees (HST) who are International medical graduates (IMGs), defined as doctors who achieved their primary medical qualification outside the European Union. IMGs often face many professional and cultural challenges particularly at the start of a training programme1. Nationally, there has been a drive to improve the induction process for IMGs to offer better support during this period2. To improve personal and professional wellbeing for new IMGs, we created a tailored induction programme for IMGs staring Respiratory HST in the Northern Deanery. An initial questionnaire was sent to all HSTs to identify whether there was a need for better support for IMGs. A further, more detailed questionnaire, consisting of 23 questions, was sent to all IMG HSTs. Following the results of this questionnaire, we delivered a specific IMG training and induction workshop along with an induction booklet. In addition, more senior IMG HST became mentors for the new starters. A follow up questionnaire was then sent out to our IMG HST. We received feedback from 24 of the local trainees. 23/24 (96%) trainees felt the IMGs could be better supported. The data from the existing eight IMG trainees of various grades shows 8/8 (100%) IMGs valued the idea of a separate induction programme in addition to the existing deanery induction. 8/8 (100%) wanted a separate e-portfolio induction, as they were unfamiliar with this system, more information on maintaining clinical logbooks and on Specialty Certificate Examination (SCE) resources. 8/8 (100%) didn't know about study leave refund process and how to escalate concerns if they faced bullying or any form of discrimination during training. Three-step process. First,we conducted a separate induction programme tailored according to the needs of an IMG doctor. Secondly we created a detailed IMG induction booklet which covers all the areas of training including maintenance of portfolio to steps of creating an assessment ticket, creating logbooks to even resource material for SCE examinations alongside clinical governance guidance. Lastly, provision of a nominated mentor for the first year of training to provide resolution of any quarries of the new IMG trainee. Over 1.5 years we had seven new IMG trainees joining the deanery. A) 100% (7/7) of new IMG trainees responded being confident of handling their e-portfolio. B) 100% (7/7) responded of being aware of the pathways to escalate concerns or raise issues they face in their training. C) 100% (7/7) responded of being aware of the research route, and facilities availability within the deanery to pursue research activities. D) 100% (7/7) responded having clear concept about their rotations within the deanery during their training. The structured induction specific to IMGs improved trainees' confidence and addressed all the prior trainees' concerns. The success of this pilot project will encourage us to continue the programme for all future IMGs joining the Northern Deanery. This will further support the growth and welfare of our IMGs.
Siddiqui et al. (Mon,) studied this question.