Loading...
Improving the induction experience for CAMHS higher trainees in the West Midlands
Lane, Victoria Farid, Bushra Kumekor, Victoria Umeozulu, Cheta
Lane, Victoria
Farid, Bushra
Kumekor, Victoria
Umeozulu, Cheta
Abstract
Project Aim: To improve trainee clarity and confidence in navigating CAP higher trainee requirements, with ≥80% of trainees reporting a clear understanding of training expectations by February 2026.
There is currently no standardised, comprehensive induction resource for Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (CAP) higher trainees in the West Midlands. As a result, trainees rotating between placements may lack clarity about their roles and responsibilities, and access to key learning and wellbeing resources. This contributes to inconsistency, inequity and inefficiency in induction experiences and across placements, with missed opportunities for early professional development. The quality of care provided to young people and families may also be influenced by how quickly and confidently trainees develop skills appropriate to the context and expectations of their placement. Establishing a structured induction resource aligns with the GMC guidance and the NHS People Plan recommendations on supporting trainee wellbeing. Local survey data from the CAP peer group strongly indicates that existing provision of training information is fragmented and insufficient. Most trainees do not feel confident in their understanding of competencies, portfolio expectations, or progression criteria. Trainees feel they lack clarity and accessible reference material, and are requesting structured guidance.
Tools Used:
Driver diagram - https://aqua.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/qsir-driver-diagrams.pdf;
PDSA cycles - https://aqua.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/qsir-pdsa-cycles-model-for-improvement.pdf;
Stakeholder engagement.
Project Impact: Following implementation of the handbook 100% of higher trainees who responded to the post-change survey reported a clear understanding of training requirements compared to only 22% before the change, meeting the aim of ≥80%. There has been a 78% improvement from baseline in positive responses around the understanding of training requirements. This suggests that the intervention has provided staff with an increase in clarity about CAP higher training.
MIDER Authors
Citations
Altmetric:
Date
2026-04
Type
Internal Poster
Subject
HEALTH PERSONNEL
Collections
Citation
Lane, Victoria; Farid, Bushra; Kumekor, Victoria; Umeozulu, Cheta. Improving the induction experience for CAMHS higher trainees in the West Midlands. Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, 2026.
Journal / Source Title
DOI
PMID
Publisher
Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust