Kent, Surrey and Sussex Supported Return to Training (SuppoRTT) programme aims to support all trainees to safely and confidently return to training after a sustained period of absence.
Contents
How do I plan for a period of absence?
What should I do before I return to training?
What should I do if I need to do a paid for course?
What happens when I return to training?
Are there any free resources I can access?
Are there any specialty specific resources?
What SuppoRTT events are available?
Is there any information for educators?
Who should I contact if I have more questions?
What is SuppoRTT?
Returning to training after a period of absence can be a daunting and difficult time for postgraduate doctors. Doctors take time out of programme for many reasons, and this can impact on your confidence and skills. The Kent, Surrey and SRTT programme aims to support all doctors in training to safely and confidently return to training after a sustained period of absence.
The programme applies to all postgraduate doctors absent for three months or more, regardless of the reason. Those absent for a shorter period can also opt in. As returning doctors are a diverse group, SuppoRTT aims to provide a bespoke, individualised package for each returning trainee, rather than a single “one size fits all” approach. This consists of:
- A structured and systematic process for planning absence and return to training, and maintaining contact while on leave
- A menu of options that can be built into an individualised return-to-training package, agreed between a trainee and their educational supervisor.
This video explains more:
Who is eligible for SuppoRTT?
The following groups of returning trainees are eligible for SuppoRTT funding:
- Doctors in postgraduate training who are currently in a recognised training programme and taking OOP
- Doctors who have been accepted onto a training programme, but have deferred their start date for any reason
- SAS/Trust Grade doctors who have secured a training programme post
- Dental trainees in a recognised training programme
Potential eligibility for SuppoRTT funding is currently being investigated for:
- Postgraduate medical trainees who have completed the UK Foundation Programme, but are taking a break from training before entering specialty training
How do I plan for a period of absence?
Before starting a period of planned absence of three months or more, you should meet with you Educational Supervisor (ES) or Training Programme Director (TPD). This meeting is to agree and document how you will stay up to date while out of training, and identify any anticipated support you may require when you return. You should begin planning your time away from training at the earliest opportunity and no later than three months before your intended leave date.
Following your meeting you should complete a pre-absence form. You should also consider any courses you might want to attend. Find out more here. It is also worth considering coaching and career planning sessions through the Professional Support Wellbeing Service (PSWS). These will allow you to reflect on personal and professional goals and support you to confidently transition back into training.
For unplanned absence, this meeting should take place as soon as possible after you have gone on leave.
What should I do before I return to training?
You should arrange a meeting with your ES or TPD to fill out the pre-return form or follow-up form and create a return-to-training plan. This should consider the following:
- Supervised clinical sessions (short period on your return with adjusted duties to help you return to normal duties safely and confidently. This can include a supernumerary period, enhanced supervised practice, focused learning activities or direct observation of clinical activities)
- Phased return to work and flexible working arrangements where appropriate
- Refresher courses and resources
- Coaching from the PSWS
- KIT/SPLIT Days (please see guidance here)
- Preparing for Annual Review of Competency Progression (ARCP)
These activities must be agreed with your Head of School, Dean, Deputy Dean or Training Programme Director prior to submitting the form. You should also share your plans as early as possible with HR/medical staffing and rota co-ordinators so they can make any necessary arrangements.
What should I do if I need to do a paid for course?
Courses available from the study budget should be applied for in the usual way.
SuppoRTT may be able to fund courses that are not accessible through your study budget, if they support your return. Similarly, if the course is covered by the study budget but you cannot access it (e.g. if you are on an OOPC, OOPE or OOPR), SuppoRTT may be able to provide funding.
Once your pre-return form is approved you will receive an approval email; you must then complete a study leave form which is available from your trust – use the code SRTT0001 to list the approved SuppoRTT course title and fee. Following processing, your course fee should be reimbursed via your trust.
What happens when I return to training?
You should meet with your ES immediately upon return. Your progress should be reviewed after a reasonably short period of time to ensure there are no causes for concern and assess level of competence so the ‘training clock’ may recommence.
Are there any free resources I can access?
A range of courses and other resources to support return to training are available. These include:
- Online refresher courses and resources from the SuppoRTT team
- eLearning for healthcare modules
- NHS learning hub resources
Are there any specialty specific resources?
The KSS Medicine and GP SuppoRTT documents can be found below:
What SuppoRTT events are available?
You can see a list of all events here.
Where do I access the forms?
Before your absence you should complete a pre-absence form.
Prior to returning to work you should complete a pre-return form.
The follow-up form should be completed as soon as you return to work.
Is there any information for educators?
This NHS learning hub resource talks about building a more SuppoRTTive working environment.
You can access the KSS educators guide here.
Who should I contact if I have more questions?
If you have any questions or need further information, please contact the programme manager at England.SRTT.KSS@nhs.net or you local SuppoRTT Champion.