Enhanced shadowing

In order to rapidly regain clinical knowledge and confidence, postgraduate doctors will be strongly encouraged to participate in a period of ‘enhanced shadowing’ for 2 weeks (up to 10 working days) prior to their return date.

During this period: 

• Postgraduate Doctors will participate in closely supervised work and by the end of the period postgraduate doctors should be working at a level commensurate with re-entry into the training programme.
• Postgraduate Doctors will be surplus to the rota at their employing Trust and will not be used to fill rota gaps
• Postgraduate Doctors are able to work a two-week period (10 working days) and this can be on a pro-rata basis for LTFT.
• The Postgraduate Doctors employing trust will pay the postgraduate doctor for this period via the usual pay mechanisms.

Ideally a period of enhanced shadowing will be undertaken in the weeks immediately before your confirmed return to training date, however we understand that this is not always possible. In cases where this is not possible, you may arrange for a period of enhanced shadowing to be complete from your confirmed return to training start date, and this time will be considered at your next ARCP and a decision made on whether this will count towards your training. 

How to organise enhanced shadowing

In order to arrange a period of enhanced shadowing, this must be discussed and agreed with your Training Programme Director (TPD)/ College Tutor (CT) and HR/Medical Staffing at your Trust. You must document your enhanced shadowing plans on your SuppoRTT pre-return form as this will inform NHSE of any reimbursement required to be made to your Trust. 

Please be aware that NHSE is unable to confirm any enhanced shadowing arrangements, as this is managed with your Trusts HR/Medical Staffing department and/or your Rota Coordinator. 

GP Postgraduate Doctors returning to GP Practices

When returning to a general practice placement, for the first two weeks postgraduate doctor's  should be offered the usual GP Practice induction period. this should include the opportunity to sit-in with various members of the practice team and a general reorientation to practice systems and protocols. Joint surgeries and home visits should be considered and regular/daily debriefs should also take place. Tutorials during this induction period should focus on identifying individual learning needs and planning how to meet these, including refreshing the postgraduate doctor clinical skills. They should have a meeting with their supervisor towards the end of this period to ascertain that they are confident to return to 'normal' consultations. 

If, following discussion, the GP trainer feels that the GP postgraduate doctor needs more assistance than this, please discuss this with the appropriate TPD/AD.

Opting out

If you do not wish to undertake a period of enhanced shadowing, please ensure this is clearly identified on your SuppoRTT Pre-return form.