The Trainee Requiring Extra Support: What Is the New Consultant Supervisor's Experience?

Abstract

Background

The trainee requiring extra support (TRES) is a doctor who requires support from their supervisor beyond usual training provision. Supervision of a TRES has been consistently described as challenging, particularly for new consultants. However, this topic has not been explored in depth and existing literature has limited transferability to the UK hospital setting. This study aimed to explore supervision of a TRES from the supervisor's perspective by asking: What is the experience of new consultants when supervising a TRES in a UK hospital?

Methods

The study was conducted at a district general hospital in north-west England in 2024. Nine new consultants (within 5 years of completion of training) representing a range of specialties participated in face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Three themes were identified from thematic analysis: unprepared for the role of supervisor; needing a support network for supervision; and negative impact on self from supervision. Supervision of a TRES compounded challenges that new consultants faced when transitioning into their new role. Support provided to supervisors was inconsistent and was a determinant of supervisor experience. There were substantial time and emotional burdens on supervisors from supervision of a TRES.

Conclusion

Supervision of a TRES was challenging for new consultants due to multiple interrelated factors. Consideration should be given to developing supervisor support networks and improving handover of trainee information. Further research should consider the pedagogy of supervision from the supervisor's perspective and investigate how to effectively prepare and support new consultants to supervise a TRES.