Principles of a Training Capacity Assessment
Introduction
It is recommended that the training capacity of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) be assessed on a regular basis. This assessment should consider not only Intensivists in Training (IiTs) and the existing resident medical workforce, but also the introduction of any additional staff requiring education and supervision. These may include doctors in training (from specialties requiring ICM placements, or Foundation Programmes), Specialty and Specialist (SAS) doctors, Locally Employed Doctors (LEDs), and trainee advanced critical care practitioners (tACCPs).
Regular reviews should incorporate feedback from local, regional, and national surveys, along with any reported concerns regarding the ability to meet training requirements.
This guidance has been co-authored by the Chairs of the Faculty’s Training, Assessment & Quality (FICMTAQ) and Careers, Recruitment & Workforce (FICMCRW) Committees, with input from Intensivists in Training (IiT) and ACCP representatives.
The model of activity for ICUs across the UK varies significantly, shaped by local service demands, geography, and the composition of the multidisciplinary team. IiTs follow a bespoke training pathway to become Consultants and leaders in the specialty, influenced by their core training background and the specific requirements of their Single, Dual, or Triple CCT programmes.
While a single standardised formula for all ICUs is not practical, this document outlines the key principles for conducting a Training Capacity Assessment (TCA). It should be used in conjunction with the latest editions of:
- FICM’s Guidelines for the Provision of Intensive Care Services (GPICS)
- Conference Of Postgraduate Medical Deans’ (UK) (COPMeD) Gold Guide
The Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine (FICM) is responsible for setting training standards for both IiTs and tACCPs. FICM’s GPICS guidance includes recommendations on the consultant workforce required to deliver safe and effective care. Statutory Education Bodies (often referred to as Deaneries) are responsible for delivering training for doctors through recognised programmes, supported by established quality assurance processes.
An accompanying Training Capacity Assessment Form is available to support Clinical Directors, Faculty Tutors, and Regional Advisors in undertaking this review. It offers a structured template to capture relevant workforce data, supervision arrangements, and educational opportunities. This tool can assist in identifying both current strengths and areas for development. The form is advisory, not mandatory, and should be adapted to local context and governance arrangements.