Independent Reporting by Trainees
Independent reporting by post part 1 trainees following a validation process has been in use in Leeds for GI and skin histopathology specimens and some cytopathology since 2005, and is working well. The RCPath trainee logbook lists diagnoses in gynaecology, head & neck, urology, GI, skin and cytopathology that trainees can report independently once ‘signed off’ by a consultant.
These are the lists of diagnoses in the competency-based framework for graded responsibility in independent reporting, as they appear in the RCPath 'Training and learning record for specialist training in histopathology leading to the award of the CCT' September 2005. They are listed by specialty. The RCPath anticipates that these list as are adapted for local use by training departments. The demonstration of progressive increase in responsibility taken by trainees is a requirement of PMETB approval of training programmes.
For local use we should combine levels 1&2 specimens as basic level, and level 3 as intermediate level. The level 4 specimens correspond to the sort of cases a trainee may be reporting independently after passing final MRCPath, and so would not need this validation process.
Trainees who have passed part 1 MRCPath should start collecting validated cases from the list of level 1-2 diagnoses, and until they have sufficient and are signed off to work independently at that level. They can then start collecting level 3 cases towards independent reporting at that intermediate level.
Please will you discuss this list in your specialist group, and comment on any diagnoses that you think are inappropriate for independent reporting in our department. I will then collate them. We hope to have a common system for validation of trainees in each specialty, based on that piloted and audited during 2006 in GI and skin histopathology and urine cytology.
