Stage 2 equivalent training guidance

This guidance was reviewed on 31 January 2023.

These pages will be reviewed and potentially updated no later than 30 January 2024.

If you would like to contact us, you can email the Anaesthetics Curriculum and Equivalence Team on training@rcoa.ac.uk or call on 020 7092 1550.

Please let us know what you think. If you feel the information on this page could be improved, please get in touch with us.

 

This guidance sets out the experience and evidence required for the transition year between intermediate level training on the 2010 Anaesthetics Curriculum and stage 3 training on the 2021 Anaesthetics Curriculum.

What is an ST5 stage 2 equivalent 'top up' year?

In the new 2021 Anaesthetics Curriculum the stages of training do not match the previous levels of training in the 2010 curriculum. So anaesthetists in training completing intermediate level training on the 2010 curriculum will find that they are part way through stage 2 when they move to the 2021 curriculum. The stage 2 ‘top up’ year covers the training requirements that meet the gap between intermediate level training on the 2010 curriculum and stage 2 on the 2021 curriculum.

Who should read this guidance?

This guidance will apply to anaesthetists in training in years ST3 to ST5 in August 2021, depending on their circumstances. It should be used in conjunction with the Guidance for Transition from 2010 to 2021 Anaesthetics Curriculum.

This guidance should also be read by trainers managing the training of this group.

What additional training will I need to complete stage 2 training in ST5?

The additional training requirements are set out in the following chapters, arranged by domain of learning.

Additional training in cardiothoracic, neuro-, paediatric, and obstetric anaesthesia and intensive care may be required.

Will I be able to evidence this on the LLp?

Yes, there will be a section on the LLp where evidence for the stage 2 ‘top up’ year can be linked. This will then populate the certificate to sign off stage 2 equivalence (EQ2).

EQ2 may be done on the 2010 curriculum LLp (EQ2a) or the 2021 curriculum LLp (EQ2b).

Use EQ2a on 2010 LLp if Stage 2 top up year contains all the training required for the top up including ICM: options A and B on the Guidance for Transition from 2010 to 2021 Anaesthetics Curriculum. Anaesthetists in training in this group will end up with an Intermediate Level Training Certificate plus an EQ2a.

Use EQ2b on the 2021 LLp if stage 2 top up has to be combined with stage 3 due to the previously planned programme: options B and C on the Guidance for Transition from 2010 to 2021 Anaesthetics Curriculum. This may apply to ST5s who need more flexibility in their training programmes because of ICM or other units of training.

What evidence do I need?

The examples of evidence are set out in the following chapters, arranged by domain of learning.

Evidence existing from previous years such as CUT forms from intermediate level training may be used.

Do I need to achieve ALL of the Stage 2 capabilities within my ST5 year?

No. The ST5 ‘top up’ year builds on experience and training already gained during intermediate level training