SITM preceptors are usually appointed by the school board/STC of obstetrics and gynaecology and are responsible for a specific Special Interest Training Module (SITM) within a deanery/region.
The SITM preceptor ensures consistency of training and assessment for that SITM within their deanery/region. Preceptors will be aware of the units which are able to contribute to SITM training and the number of training places these units could reasonably offer. They will ensure that the appropriate educational support is provided. The preceptor for a particular SITM will need to liaise with the SITM educational supervisors (add link to website once published) in each local unit.
Where the SITM recommends course attendance, the preceptor will decide upon the suitability of courses (not run by the RCOG) in conjunction with the suggested SITM course syllabus. The preceptor will be responsible for the quality control of this element of special interest training.
For SITMs with a significant workload e.g. SITMs which are undertaken by a greater number of learner’s deaneries or schools may wish to have more than one preceptor for a module. It is expected that these preceptors will work together to ensure consistency. In the situation where a learner has more than one preceptor during their SITM training, it is recommended that the preceptor who is responsible for the final part of the SITM training undertakes the final assessment and signs the completed form.
If there are more learners wishing to do a SITM than training places can accommodate, the SITM preceptor/s will be responsible for a selection process that is transparent and equitable.
Where there are few training opportunities in small SITMs, it would be sensible for deaneries to cooperate and appoint one person as a preceptor working across the regions.
Consultants with expertise in the clinical area or who are members of the relevant specialist society may nominate themselves to the local STC or school to become an SITM preceptor. The SITM preceptor may also be an SITM educational Supervisor.
Roles and responsibilities
- Co-ordinate the delivery and monitor the quality of training for their particular SITM.
- Liaise with colleagues in the specialty to ensure that both the SITM and the core curriculum are delivered without conflicts or adverse service impacts.
- Ensure that the workplace-based assessments required by the SITM curriculum are performed and signed off. The learners must have each SITM CiP signed confirming progress for each ARCP.
- Take responsibility for ensuring that the learner has a SITM educational supervisor(s) appropriate to delivering training in individual units.
- Take responsibility for ensuring that the educational opportunities and environment provided by the educational supervisors meet the SITM training needs of the learner.
- Undertake regular appraisal and feedback meetings with learners to ensure that educational objectives are being met.
- Take responsibility for confirming that the learner has attended an appropriate theoretical course, or equivalent, as set out in the curriculum.
- Take responsibility for confirming that training is completed with appropriate evidence and signing the notification form, which the learner should then send to the SITM director. This includes ensuring that specified OSATs have been completed to the appropriate standard and number.
- Take responsibility, with support from the SITM director, SITM educational supervisor, college tutor and/or TPD as necessary, for responding to the needs of learners in difficulty.
- Keep up to date with the RCOG standards in education, new educational initiatives and changes to SITM curriculum and assessment.
- Provide career guidance and discuss the curriculum with the learner prior to registration. The SITM preceptor will generally undertake appraisal and career guidance roles; this allows the preceptor to have an overview of the learner’s progress throughout the course of the SITM.
- Undertake quality control of the SITM and report to the SITM director any concerns regarding delivery.
- Report to the SITM director within the deanery.
- Report annually to the school board on the training opportunities for their SITM of responsibility and whether the training needs of those learners undertaking this SITM are being met. Identify units or competencies that may need additional support. It is expected that the SITM preceptor would have at least annual contact with the learners undertaking their SITM of responsibility to ensure that they are making adequate progress
Person specification
Essential characteristics
- Be a fully trained medical practitioner (consultant or SAS doctor).
- Be a GMC recognised educational or clinical supervisor.
- Have experience as an educational supervisor.
- Be committed to continuing professional development.
- Be a specialist in the SITM clinical area of obstetrics and gynaecology.
- Be aware of quality management principles.
- Agree to work within the terms of the job description.
- Be trained in equality and diversity.
- Undergo regular appraisal of educational role as per deanery and NHS processes.
- Be a specialist in the SITM clinical area of obstetrics and gynaecology.
Desirable characteristics
- Have training in postgraduate medical education.
- Have experience of organising training in obstetrics and gynaecology.
Duration of appointment
- Three years initially. Optional renewal for a maximum of a further Three years.
Time required and job planning
It is highly desirable that time is allocated within the job plan of the SITM preceptor, which is usually a deanery/school appointment, but some other local processes may be in place and the post holder will have allocated SPA time.
The time required will be proportionate to the number of learners for which the preceptor has responsibility and the degree of liaison required to ensure quality training.
The RCOG recommends 0.5 -1 PA for those managing popular, large SITMs, e.g. Gynaecological Surgical Care. The Preceptor is advised to keep a diary to present at the job planning process to determine the individual time required. This requirement would be in addition to any other educational roles.