What is the role of the consultant responsible for postgraduate education in the clinical department?
BACKGROUND
The organisation of specialist training is complex and involves many clinical departments. The position of consultants responsible for education (CRE) in specialist training at department level is poorly defined in the literature.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to explore expectations of stakeholders concerning the role and position of a CRE in specialist training.


METHODS
The role and position of the CRE was explored using focus group and semi-structured individual interviews.


RESULTS
Knowledge of tasks and responsibilities was limited in all stakeholders except among CREs. The expectations of stakeholders to the CRE varied according to their position in the hospital hierarchy. In general terms the CRE was expected to assume overall responsibility for specialist training, promote a positive educational climate and secure quality of specialist training along with numerous administrative tasks. All interviewees expressed a wish for a strong leader at the same time they did not consider the position of the CRE influential.


CONCLUSIONS
Along with improved information about the role of the CRE, formal education, proper job-descriptions and clear leadership in the organisation concerning specialist training might increase the influence and power of CREs.
Malling
B
B
Department of Quality and Education, Viborg Hospital, Viborg, Denmark. mallingmail@dadlnet.dk
Scherpbier
A J J A
AJ
Ringsted
C
C
D003253:Consultants; D003718:Denmark; D004501:Education, Medical; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017144:Focus Groups; D006748:Hospital Departments; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007587:Job Description; D007857:Leadership; D008611:Mentors; D010819:Physician's Role; D011209:Power, Psychological; D013038:Specialization