News that disciplinary action is now being taken against EU doctors over English language skills prompted an interesting discussion at one of our regular Teach the Teacher Courses for Doctors last week.
The initial focus of the discussion was around the subject of assessment: why should doctors be assessed and on what; where, when and how should assessments be conducted; what are the pros and cons of assessment? There was general consensus that every doctor must reach basic standards for a broad spectrum of knowledge, skills and attitude. Increasingly higher standards should apply progressively with advancing seniority and specialisation.
So far this is straight forward and obvious. However, we then progressed to more thought provoking questions.
When is it acceptable for a doctor to settle for the basic level? When is adequate good enough?
After a range of opinions were expressed there was general agreement that time limitations inevitably lead to the need for prioritisation of development. The drivers of this prioritisation would be the subject matter and skills which have the greatest relevance to the individual – but how to determine relevance?
Daily pressures to accurately examine, diagnose and effectively treat patients require solid comprehension of anatomy, physiology, aetiology, pharmacology and more, plus a large number of practical skills. This creates explicit demands to develop both scientifically and technically. Revalidation should now be acting as one of the drivers for doctors to broaden this developmental focus. Good Medical Practice exists as a framework to positively guide every aspect of science and practice to support this.
The EU doctors who have been subjected to action for their language skills are failing to meet the basic standard. Few doctors limit their aspirations to being adequate. But how many are settling for adequate in their command of the English language? With more than a third of doctors having gained their Primary Medical Qualification outside of the UK, how many have taken steps since reaching the ‘basic’ standard have taken steps to further develop pronunciation, cultural awareness and comprehension of the nuances of language and gesture?
In which areas of practice are you settling for ‘adequate’
What steps are you taking to continue the development of your communication skills?
Oxford Medical Training is the UK’s leading provider of high quality career development for doctors of all levels. We specialise in advancing leadership, management, communication, interview preparation and teaching skills in the medical environment. Our new one day intensive Improving English Language Skills Course for Doctors is now available for bookings.
