A minimum of 3 supervised sessions per week (averaged over 3 to 6 months) is required to ensure sufficient workplace-based learning to allow most anaesthetists in training to progress to CCT within the 7 year indicative length of the programme; this figure is based on many years of experience. It is accepted that there may be variation from week to week depending on local work patterns and the structure of individual School programmes of training, and that the number of sessions required, in the various settings, to meet curriculum requirements will vary according to the stage of training and the individual interests of the anaesthetist in training as they progress.
To ensure patient safety, anaesthetists in training new to the specialty must, at all times, be directly supervised until they have passed the Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC). This concentrated period of supervision is essential to ensure that anaesthetists in training complete all the required learning outcomes during this phase of the programme. Following this, the appropriate level of supervision for the anaesthetist’s level of competence should be provided.
