Efficacy of Targeted Teaching Program on Patients Care in National Health Service Hospitals

Abstract

Background

Continuous professional development is essential in medical education programs to enhance patient care. Junior doctors in the UK often experience challenges adapting to new specialty-specific standards during their rotations, potentially compromising patient care. A targeted teaching program (TTP) was developed to address this issue. This study evaluates the efficacy of a TTP implemented in a regional vascular surgery unit within the National Health Service on patients' care and safety.

Methods

This observational study was designed to gather data about patients' management in the vascular department at the Countess of Chester National Health Service Foundation trust in the period between 2019 and 2023. Various clinical audits were completed to assess the impact of TTP on clinical outcomes and to gauge the improvement in health-care delivery standards and adherence to national guidelines.

Results

The TTP significantly improved patient care metrics in our vascular surgery service between 2019 and 2023. Key improvements included antiplatelet medication prescriptions increasing from 86% to 100%, lipid modification therapy from 82.9% to 98%, postamputation pain management from 25% to 92%, and diabetes screening using HbA1c from 32% to 100%. These enhancements demonstrate a marked advancement patient care standards following TTP introduction.

Conclusion

Introduction of regular TTP has led to significant improvements in the standard of care for patients by implementing evidence-based practices. Furthermore, it enhanced doctors’ knowledge, reduced the adaptation period to new specialties, and positively impacted the national trainee survey. Expanding targeted teaching to other clinical and nonclinical areas is recommended to enhance patient care across various settings.