The Subspecialty Training Programme Supervisor (STPS) is responsible for overseeing the training programme and ensuring attainment of the relevant competencies. Each subspecialty programme has a curriculum, logbook and an assessment process. Trainees are formally assessed annually by two subspecialists nominated by the RCOG Subspecialty Committee. This assessment comprises of the submission of a written report from both the trainee and the STPS and a formal review of progress towards the required competencies detailed in the logbook. Trainees also complete annual team observations that feed into both subspecialty assessment and RITA/ARCP processes. Assessors compile a written report of progress, which is reviewed by the RCOG Subspecialty Committee who make recommendations regarding progress to or attainment of accreditation. These are circulated to the trainee, the STPS and the Deanery STC Chair.
All existing subspecialty training programmes and the subspecialty training programme supervisors have been approved by the RCOG Subspecialty Training Committee. In future new programmes or programmes where significant deficiencies or potential deficiencies in training have been identified will require approval / re-approval by the relevant Deanery, via the local STC, with advice from the RCOG Subspecialty Training Committee.
This is a process that will be overseen by the GMC, who are legally responsible for approval of posts and programmes. Details of the new process are encapsulated within the ‘Subspecialty training programme centre reviews’ document.
While the Subspecialty Committee is assessing the RCOG Document ‘The Future Workforce in Obstetrics and Gynaecology’ no new applications for subspecialty training programme approvals are being accepted with the exception of Sexual and Reproductive Health (9 July 2009).