Structure of Training
Training in Anaesthesia
The six years of Anaesthesia training is based in accredited hospitals recognised by the College (see Hospital Inspection section). Training is structured to maximise opportunities for learning and to provide a broad range of experience in different types of hospitals and of different sub-specialties in Anaesthesia.
Training comprises a combination of practical experience, clinical learning, theoretical learning, learning in non-clinical areas, individual study, mandatory elements including simulation courses.. Training will be subject to close supervision and trainees will be subject to assessment and formal examination throughout their training and are expected to record their clinical practice through the CAI Logbook and their academic activities through the CAI PCS recording system. Progression through the six year programme will depend upon achieving certain milestones, and competencies, and these will be reviewed through formal CAI interviews arranged by the Deans office. Training will not be considered complete until after a formal review has taken place, this will then lead to the granting of a CST.
SAT= Specialist Anaesthesia Trainee
| New Training Grade July 2012 | Function | Old Training Grade |
|
SAT 1 |
Basic Training | BST |
| SAT 2 |
Basic Training |
BST |
| SAT 3 | Sub-speciality Training | SpR 1 |
| SAT 4 | Sub -speciality Training | SpR 2 |
| SAT 5 | Sub-speciality Training | SpR 3 |
| SAT 6 | Advanced Training | SpR 4 |
Anaesthesia rotations; principles underlying the structures of rotations and allocation of posts to each hospital
The aims of the National Training Programme are
– To produce Anaesthetists with adequate expertise for independent specialist practice in a broad range of clinical areas to fill the available Consultant posts throughout the country.
– To optimise training by exposure to a broad and complex caseload. This should occur in Departments where high quality clinical care is provided with an emphasis on training rather than purely service provision.
– To expose trainees to a variety of types of hospitals nationally.
– To ensure exposure to core sub-specialties in Anaesthesia plus other worthwhile sub-specialty areas
– To support service provision and in doing so provide the clinical experience necessary to allow trainees acquire the skill set to perform as experts in anaesthesia at completion of training.
All full-time anaesthesia training posts in Ireland are specifically numbered, accredited by CAI and funded by the HSE.
Coordination of Anaesthesia rotations:
The day to day running of the rotations is undertaken by the Post Graduate Dean’s Office under the aegis of the Training Committee. The Dean’s office is available for discussion of issues which arise either with trainees or with hospitals. The rotations are designed to allow achievement of all competencies over the six years of SAT.
Further details on anaesthesia training can be found in our training regulations attached.