AKT SOX Programme
In June 2021 NHSE (formerly HEE) East of England launched the AKT SOX programme. This innovative programme was developed collaboratively by HEE East and NW. The programme was initially designed to support those trainees who had been unsuccessful in the AKT.
In September 2024, due to a number of reasons including trainee feedback, a proactive approach was undertaken to deliver an alternative ‘How to Prepare for AKT’ annual half day course by the team of Exam TPDs to the schemes in their respective patches. This replaces the previous AKT SOX Trainee day and AKT SOX small group sessions.
The SOX programme works on the principle of the 6 main reasons why trainees pass the AKT. Some trainees who fail by a significant margin on first attempt and those on a second or more attempts will be invited to participate in an AKT SOX Tutorial. During the AKT SOX tutorial the trainee will receive personalised feedback in all six domains and be given a plan of what to work on. The programme is supportive and works with both the trainer and the trainee to maximise AKT exam success.
For more information please contact England.Primarycare.eoe@nhs.net
All trainees at all schemes across the region will receive the ‘How to Prepare for AKT’ course during their scheduled GPVTS teaching.
This half day course covers learning theory, important resources and the 6 main reasons why trainees pass the AKT and is delivered by experienced educators specialising in exam support.
Following an unsuccessful AKT result, the trainee may be matched with a SOX Educator depending on whether the Exam Support TPD from their scheme believes they are eligible to receive one. SOX Educators are experienced GP trainers or TPDs. They have all been trained in the SOX programme.
The SOX educators will then contact the trainee and trainer to arrange a mutually convenient time to hold the SOX tutorial. These tutorials have the most impact if they are conducted at least 3 months before a planned sitting to allow time for the trainee to reflect and make the necessary changes.
