Regulations for the Advanced Training Skills Modules - from August 2011

Please note that these regulations will apply as of 1 August 2011

The ATSMs were launched in 2007 and were initially restricted to NTN-holders. Over the last two years ATSMs have been successfully rolled out nationally and in March 2010, the RCOG Education Board agreed that applications can now be accepted from doctor’s occupying LAT posts (ST6/7 equivalent) and non-training grades (SAS doctors and consultants). It remains the remit of the ATSM Director to determine whether training opportunities exist within the deanery to accommodate non-training grades for ATSMs. NTN-holders will be given priority for ATSM training since it is a mandatory requirement to complete two ATSMs for the award of CCT or CESR (CP). The registration fee and application form are the same for all applicants. Please see the explanatory notes below:

Generic:

  1. The applicant must be working in the UK for the duration of the ATSM (or have sought prospective approval for recognition of overseas training if applicant is a NTN-holder)
  2. The applicant must register for the ATSM prospectively with the registration fee of £125 through the Postgraduate Training Department at the RCOG.
  3. It is recognised that for some ATSMs, previous experience can contribute to the development of competence, however the assessment of competence should only be performed following registration.
  4. For ATSMs where completion of a theoretical course is mandatory, attendance at a suitable theoretical course must be no more than three years prior the time of completion of the ATSM.

NTN-Holders and Senior LATs ST6/7 equivalent):

  1. SpR 4/5, ST 6/7 and LATs (ST6/7 equivalent) can register for ATSMs.
  2. The applicant must have passed Part 2 MRCOG.
  3. The applicant must have completed the intermediate competences from the logbook.
  4. NTN-holder must start planning their ATSM in ST4 with the aim to have this documented at their ARCP at the conclusion of Year 4.  This ensures a full year (ST5) to organise, confirm and plan training for year 6.
  5. LATs (ST6/7 equivalent) may have had the opportunity to discuss ATSM plans at the ARCP in their previous LAT posts (particularly if the posts were in the same deanery).
  6. NTN-holders must have obtained a satisfactory outcome form from Year 5 prior to registering for the ATSM or confirmed evidence of equivalent experience/competence for LATs (ST6/7 equivalent).
  7. The applicant can register for more than two ATSMs concurrently providing the work intensity score is not greater than 3.0.
  8. NTN-holders who are considering undertaking an ATSM overseas, as part of a period of out of programme activity (OOP), need to seek prospective approval from the Head of School, the local Postgraduate Dean as well as formal RCOG approval. Prospective approval will also be required from the GMC if the applicant wishes the ATSM to count towards CCT/CESR (CP). Full details of the application process can be accessed here.

Non-Training Grades (SAS Doctors and consultants):

  1. The applicant must have completed the equivalent of the intermediate competences from the logbook (as ascertained by the ATSM Director).
  2. The applicant must have completed a minimum of five years in obstetrics and gynaecology.
  3. The applicant must have approval from their Clinical Director in order to register for an ATSM.
  4. The applicant’s most recent annual appraisal must have been satisfactory.
  5. The applicant can register for more than two ATSMs concurrently providing the work intensity score is not greater than 3.0 and with the approval of the Clinical Director and ATSM Director.

 

How to register

Applicants should download the requisite registration form.

  • NTN-Holders should discuss their plans for ATSMs during their ARCP at the end of year 4.
  • LATs (ST6/7 equivalent) may have had the opportunity to discuss ATSM plans at the ARCP in their previous LAT posts (particularly if the posts were in the same deanery).
  • Non-Training Grades should discuss their plans for ATSMs during their annual appraisal.
  1. It is recommended that, in the first instance the applicant consult with the Deanery ATSM Director to confirm that training in the requested ATSM is feasible.
  2. Thereafter it is the applicant’s responsibility to approach the ATSM Preceptor and Educational Supervisor, who will sign the applicant’s registration form for the module:
  • Firstly the application form needs to be countersigned by the Educational Supervisor (ES) in charge of training.
  • The form then needs to be countersigned by the ATSM Preceptor who will have overall responsibility for the relevant module across the Deanery.
  • The final signature required is that of the Director of ATSMs who will be a member of the School of O&G (or Deanery STC) who will approve the training module on behalf of the School of O&G or Deanery STC. For NTN-holders this may be carried out once the year 5 ARCP has taken place, in order for registration to be processed at the beginning of year 6.
  • It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure the required signatures are obtained before forwarding the form to the RCOG.
  • Please submit a payment of £125 for each ATSM. Cheques, made payable to the RCOG, should be sent to the Postgraduate Training Department with the completed registration form.

Completion of Training:

Training will be deemed complete when all the components have been completed to the satisfaction of the ATSM Preceptor and Educational Supervisor. The notification of completion of training form or notification of completion form for trainees who have switched curriculum should be signed by the Applicant, the Educational Supervisor(s), the ATSM Preceptor and the Director of ATSMs and sent to the Postgraduate Training Department at the RCOG.

February 2011, updated April 2011

main menu