Integrated Training Programmes

Integrated, previously called innovative, training posts (ITP) are GP training placements shared across two or more learning environments with a GP component. The trainee will normally be funded and based in General Practice but will have a significant number of sessions or days spent in outpatient clinics and community settings, attached to a different speciality(s). The RCGPs Certification Unit has given the following guidance on how they should be recorded and what they expect to receive:

1 GPR post with 50% or more time in GP

Integrated posts which have 50% or more of the time spent in General Practice should be recorded on a VTR/1 form and will normally count towards middle year or ST2 experience. The hospital specialty(s) GP ratio to Hospital can be written on the VTR/1 form, but it must be clear that it is the Director (or nominated deputy) who has written this and counter signed. The preferred option is to attach an ITP form.

2 ITP with 51 or more % time in other specialty(s)

Integrated posts which have more than 51% of the time spent in hospital should be recorded on a VTR/2 form. If the post split between more than one speciality then only one VTR/2 needs to be completed and endorsed.  The VTR2 must be signed by one or more of the Educational Supervising Consultants. The ITP form must include specific details about the posts and an educational timetable should always be included if the ITP is made up of a more than one speciality.

3 Integrated Programme/Post Training Form

All doctors training to become GP’s must register with the RCGP Certification unit as soon as possible and submit a written application giving details of past and planned experience.  This will allow planning identification of appropriate future posts/programmes and help prevent problems with final certification. Integrated training posts TAGPR posts and Electives all require Deanery approval and completion of the ITP form.  A single ITP from will only be required for each complete programme and should be sent to the Deanery for approval and endorsement.

The signed ITP form with details of the post and timetables should be submitted to the RCGP Certification Unit for approval along with the Deanery approval letter. The GPR should add their name GP Training GMC number to the ITP form when sending in to the RCGP as well as keeping photocopies.

4 Deanery Approval

Educational approval for individual integrated training posts requires Deanery support and approval.  Each submission to the Deanery requires a proposal detailing the following information before the ITP form can be endorsed.

1. intended learning outcomes of the post
2. educational and session timetable
3. arrangements for the GP placement
4. involvement of consultants/other health professionals including written confirmation that they will be offering educational supervision
5. the rotation of which the ITP will form part
6. arrangements for the ongoing evaluation of the post
7. proposed start and finishing dates

5 GP Training Approval

Provided the ITP attachments are in the A or B Listed specialities completes part of an overall balanced GP training programme and will comply with the RCGPs training requirements for certification, approval will normally be given under Article 10 orders.

The GP training programme of 36 months must include a minimum of at least 12 months in A List specialties, 12 months in a GPR post and a further 12 months in A, B List or GPR training. If the hospital placement of the ITP is to count as part of the A Listed training requirements then it must be 50% or more of the weekly sessions to comply with the European Training Directive.

If the posts or the overall programme does not comply with the above then application will have to be made under Article 11 orders to PMETB only towards the end of the complete training programme.

6 Keep up to date

However, please note that discussions are ongoing with PMETB as to what can and can't be accepted as part of a GP training programme, so these guidelines may be subject to review.

If you have any queries please contact Fiona Erasmus at the RCGP's Certification Unit.

Dr Bill Irish