Statement on doctors in training reflective practice from HEE

Professor Wendy Reid, Medical Director, Health Education England, said:

Doctors in training need to be able reflect on their experiences. These are important educational opportunities that are about both patient safety and trainee learning.

It is vital that trainees feel comfortable discussing and recording their thoughts and reflections on patient care and crucial that they feel they can do this as part of a safe, supportive learning environment.

We need to consider carefully any implications from the case of Dr Bawa-Garba and so have already had initial discussions with the British Medical Association's Junior Doctors' Committee.

HEE's Deputy Medical Director Professor Sheona MacLeod, as Chair of the Conference of Postgraduate Medical Deans (CoPMeD), met with the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC) and subsequently this joint statement has been published.

The Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) review that HEE will be publishing soon will emphasise the importance of a fair and transparent process for doctors.

Read the Conference of Postgraduate Medical Deans (CoPMeD) and Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC) full statement on reflective practice.