Units of Training.

The Anaesthetic Curriculum is divided up into four levels of training that broadly equate to training years. They are:

• Basic (or Core training) usually delivered within CT1-CT2 or ACCS 1-3 
• Intermediate, usually delivered with years ST3-ST4 
• Higher, usually delivered within year ST5-6
• Advanced which equates to ST7

Each level of training is delivered through several “Units of Training (UoTs)”. These are specific modules of Anaesthetic sub-speciality practice (e.g. Neuro Anaesthesia) or collections of topics and skills that share common knowledge and are grouped together (e.g. Perioperative Medicine). Units of Training are the building blocks that make up your anaesthetic training. Each stage of training has a defined set of UoT that need to be completed. More details on UoT can be obtained by visiting the “Training and the Training Programme” section of the RCoA website HERE: 

In order to complete a Unit of Training trainees must demonstrate that they have achieved the “Core Learning Outcomes” for the module. These Core Learning Outcomes are the essential techniques, skills and knowledge that the trainee must achieve, but should be seen as a minimum standard.

Trainees must be familiar with the Core Learning Outcomes for each module for their Stage of Training, more information about which can be found HERE:

In order to demonstrate that a Core Learning Outcome has been achieved, the trainee must collect evidence of their competence. This is the backbone of a “competency-based” training scheme. This evidence consists of

1. Logbook to show case mix and numbers
2. The specified minimum number of workplace based assessments in that area (DOPS/ALMAT/CEX/CBD)
3. Feedback from consultant trainers (formal or informal) that you have progressed appropriately

Once a trainee has collected the evidence that a specific training module has been completed they should show it to the nominated Consultant for that module, called the Module Supervisor. The module supervisors will consider the three areas of evidence, and, if satisfied will issue a Completion Unit of Training (CUT) form. If not, they may suggest what additional evidence you may need to present to get signed off.

Some of the more generic, common or basic modules are signed off by your educational supervisor rather than a specific module supervisor.

Example

To get signed off for the Intermediate Level (ST3/4) Regional Anaesthesia Unit of Training....

Core Clinical Learning Outcome (from RCoA curriculum) is specified as:

"Perform one of each of the following blocks under local supervison

• Thoracic epidural and/or combined spinal epidural
• An upper/lower limb plexus block with NS or US guidance"

Minimum WPBA are specified as:

• 1 CEX/ALMAT
• 1 DOPS
• 1 CBD

To pass the UOT you would have to meet the Module Supervisor for Regional Anaesthesia UoT and show them: logbook evidence of doing nerve blocks, have at least the minimum WPBA completed and have feedback showing you have progressed in this area.

Your training programme might specify a greater number of UOT than the minimum - after all, no-one wants to complete their training having done the bare minimum (!)

Specific nuances of the UoT required at each level of training are detailed below: