The Training Programmes

ACCS training consists of posts in acute medicine, emergency medicine, anaesthetics and intensive care medicine.

During the programme trainees are expected to complete a number of work based assessments (WBAs) for each speciality in order to complete the programme successfully. These WBAs are essentially the same as those used in foundation training programmes with the exception of acute care assessment tool (ACAT) which is a measure of competence in managing a medical on-take.

The number of WBAs required varies between the specialities. Trainees must complete the required number for each of the four specialities in order to progress with training.

Please note that not all trainees will start their programme in Year A

All ACCS trainees are expected to gain level 1 competence in medicine which requires trainees to undertake a large number of WBAs. It is recognised that this is very difficult to achieve in a 6 month post, however there is a great deal of cross over competencies which means that many of these competencies can be gained during other posts within the 2 year programme. For example CbD in dyspnoea for acute medicine could be gained while in emergency medicine or intensive care.
ACCS supervisors

Each trainee will have an educational supervisor allocated to them at the start of the ACCS programme. This consultant will be from their parent speciality and will be responsible for pastoral care and monitoring the progress of training throughout the ACCS programme.

There will be a consultant responsible for the day to day management of each trainee as they pass through each training post, however this clinical supervisor will normally not be from the trainees parent speciality.

The ARCP

Towards the end of each year, all trainees will be required to undergo an ARCP lead by their parent speciality, but involving other specialities as required. The ARCP process will include a full portfolio assessment, including a review of all WBAs, supervisor reports, courses attended etc. The speciality ARCP will make recommendations to the Deanery in relation to whether:

- the trainee should progress into further training
- they require additional support and training
- they should not progress into the next year of training.

The final decision on the outcome of the ARCP will however rest with the full Deanery ARCP panel.

Deanery, College and GMC responsibilities

The Deanery is responsible for:

• the recruitment of trainees
• the annual review of competence progression (ARCPs)
• the allocation of CCT or CESR numbers
• the management of the training programmes
• the quality assurance of training in London
• managing trainees that are working less than full time
• managing the refugee doctor’s scheme
• the approval of various OOPs
• managing doctors in difficulty
• the management of the speciality schools
  

The Colleges are responsible for:

• the strategic development of their speciality
• national manpower planning
• the development and management of the speciality curriculum
• establishing training standards
• the registration of trainees and determining their projected CCT/CESR dates
• speciality education initiatives and examinations
  

The Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board (PMETB) has a statutory responsibility for:

• the standards of PGME
• the inspection of deaneries and foundation schools
• setting standards for trainers and supervisors
• curriculum approval
• the prospective approval of training posts
• the prospective approval of OOPs
• managing and analysing the annual trainee and trainer surveys
• the final award of the CCT or CESR to trainees

London Intercollegiate ACCS committee

There is a London Intercollegiate ACCS Committee (LIACCS) within the Deanery responsible for the strategic planning and implementation of the London ACCS programmes. The committee has trainee representation from anaesthetics, acute medicine and emergency medicine, in addition to senior members of each speciality school.

Contact point

Any queries concerning the ACCS training programme should be directed to ACCS@londondeanery.ac.uk