24/7 in-house intensivist coverage enhances junior doctor training
Nishith Patel, Bristol Heart Institute, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Marlborough Street, Bristol. BS2 8HW.
3 July 2008
I read with interest the well-balanced article by Arabi on the debateful topic 'Should 24/7 in-house intensivist coverage be implemented?' The article focuses on the impact 24/7 intensivist cover would have on patient outcomes. To add to this article it is also important to recognise the impact this has on junior doctor training. Having worked in a large university intensive care unit which had 24/7 resident senior intensivist cover, I experienced more opportunities to develop my procedural skills and handle clinical cases. This was always under supervision, initially the senior intensivist playing a major role in the management but this gradually decreased to give me more autonomy. In addition, as the senior intensivist was resident 24/7, training continued throughout the night, whether in the form of didactical teaching, informal discussions, procedural demonstrations and overseeing cases I may be managaing. Overall, I believe that 24/7 intensive cover not only is beneficial for patients, but has a positive impact on training of junior doctors.
Critical Care
24/7 in-house intensivist coverage enhances junior doctor training
3 July 2008
I read with interest the well-balanced article by Arabi on the debateful topic 'Should 24/7 in-house intensivist coverage be implemented?' The article focuses on the impact 24/7 intensivist cover would have on patient outcomes. To add to this article it is also important to recognise the impact this has on junior doctor training. Having worked in a large university intensive care unit which had 24/7 resident senior intensivist cover, I experienced more opportunities to develop my procedural skills and handle clinical cases. This was always under supervision, initially the senior intensivist playing a major role in the management but this gradually decreased to give me more autonomy. In addition, as the senior intensivist was resident 24/7, training continued throughout the night, whether in the form of didactical teaching, informal discussions, procedural demonstrations and overseeing cases I may be managaing. Overall, I believe that 24/7 intensive cover not only is beneficial for patients, but has a positive impact on training of junior doctors.
Competing interests
Nil