Securing the future of excellent patient care

The purpose of this review was to ensure that doctors receive high quality education and training that supports high quality patient care and improved outcomes. This report reviews the way doctors are trained and educated, to ensure they have the appropriate skills, competencies and aptitudes to meet the changing needs of patients in the UK. This includes reviewing the current arrangements for postgraduate medical education and training to ensure there is a better balance between doctors who are trained to provide care across a general specialty area, and those prepared to deliver more specialised care.

The author completed an extensive consultation across the four countries of the UK and discovered a wide recognition of the need for change among doctors in training, trainers, employers, regulators and patients. There was also a clear consensus about what change should deliver: greater flexibility, better preparation for working in multiprofessional teams and more generalists. This report sets out a framework for delivering change and for doing so with minimum disruption to the service. It offers an approach that will ensure doctors are trained to the highest standards and are prepared to meet changing patient needs. It also offers an approach that will be fit for purpose for many years to come.

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