Does training less-than-full-time predict performance at the FRCR exams?: a UKMED cohort study

Abstract

Aim

The proportion of less-than-full-time (LTFT) trainees in the National Health Service has been steadily increasing over the past decade. To date, there has been a paucity of data assessing their postgraduate training outcomes. We aimed to evaluate whether LTFT trainees show group-level differences in performance at the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) exams, relative to their full-time counterparts.

Materials and methods

Retrospective cohort study of UK-trainees attempting the FRCR Part 1 (n=1,785) and 2B (n=1,435) examinations between 2014 and 2021, and the 2A examination between 2018 and 2021 (n=745), with linked sociodemographic variables. Chi-square tests assessed univariate associations between LTFT-training, region of primary medical degree, age, and gender, with exam performance. Multivariate regression analyses examined associations with FRCR performance after adjusting for other variables.

Results

During the study period, 3.0% (55/1,785) of Part 1 candidates were LTFT, compared to 10.0% (75/745) of 2A candidates and 13.2% (190/1,435) of 2B candidates. Women and those over 34 were more likely to be LTFT (p<0.05). LTFT trainees were nearly half as likely to pass the 2A (OR:0.51, CI:0.30–0.89) and 2B (OR:0.55, CI:0.38–0.80) exams after adjusting for other variables. Significant associations were also observed for FRCR pass rates with ethnicity, age at exam and region of primary medical degree.

Conclusion

LTFT trainees have lower pass rates at the FRCR 2A and 2B exams after adjusting for other demographic factors. Royal Colleges and Training Programmes should explore the causes of this award gap and consider national and local efforts to facilitate equity in training for these trainees.