OOP is a term that relates to trainees wishing to undertake a range of activities that are outside of their training program.

There are a range of circumstances as to why individuals may want to undertake an OOP; to gain training or clinical experience, to undertake research or to take a career break. These distinct OOP pathways are referred to as:

• Out of Programme Experience (OOPE)

• Out of Programme Training (OOPT)

• Out of Programme Career Break (OOPC)

• Out of Programme Research (OOPR)

A description of each of the pathways can be found below. For further details see OOP guidance document (link below).

1. To gain Clinical Experience

OOPE’s relate to trainees applying for an out of programme clinical experience which does not fall under OOPT and generally does not contribute towards their CCT. OOPE will normally be for a period of 1 year in total. This will be less common than OOPT and may be for experience outside of the curriculum.

2. To gain Training Experience

OOPT’s relate to trainees applying for an out of programme training experience. This could include a secondment to another training scheme abroad. OOPT will normally be for a period of 1 year in total.

3. To take a Career Break

OOPC’s relate to trainees who for personal reasons, request time out from their training programme. This may relate to illness, family caring responsibilities or other personal reasons. Normal approval lasts up to 1-2 years however may be longer in exceptional circumstances. Trainees must relinquish their National Training Number (NTN) if they take more than a 2 year break. It is the trainees’ responsibility to maintain licensing / revalidation as appropriate at the time.

4. To undertake Research

OOPR’s relates to trainees applying to undertake research as part of their training experience. Research projects may last up to 3 years and can contribute up to 1 year towards the trainees CCT. Research should usually be towards a higher degree.

Time out of programme will not normally be agreed until a trainee has been in a training programme for at least a year and will not normally be allowed in the final year of training other than in exceptional circumstances.

3 years out of clinical programme will normally be the maximum time allowed out of programme. Extensions to this will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances and will need further written approval from the Postgraduate Dean

Before application, trainees must discuss their plans with their Educational Supervisor and/or Training Programme Director (TPD). This discussion will form the basis for ensuring that the OOP is suitable and that the proposed post will meet the educational needs of the trainee.

Health Education West Midlands requires OOP Application Forms and supporting documentation to be submitted at least 6 months in advance of the proposed OOP start date. Applications that do not meet this deadline will be rejected.

Application process:

1. Fill in application form (see PDF below)

2. Gain signatures from

   1. Educational Supervisor

   2. Training Programme Director for OOP

   3. Head of School

3. Signed application forms to be sent to : programmes.wm@hee.nhs.uk

Note that the application form states you need an RCPCH approval form, however this is no longer needed for paediatric applications.

Trainees will need to liaise closely with their Training Programme Director (TPD) so that their re-entry into the clinical programme can be facilitated. At least 6 months’ notice must be given of the date the trainee intends to return to the clinical programme

Trainees must complete and submit an annual out of programme report highlighting progress made each year that they are on OOP for consideration by the Annual Review of Competency Progression (ARCP) panel.

This report will need to be accompanied by an assessment report of the trainees’ progress which is to be completed by the Educational Supervisor. If trainees do not submit both reports, this may affect the outcome of the ARCP.

For further information please see HEWM OOP guide (PDF below) and guidance from RCPCH (link below)

• Trainees going OOP should maintain contact with their respective TPD.

• Trainees should meet with their prospective Educational Supervisor or department at least 2 weeks before the start of the Post to discuss their required support and work schedule upon return. These plans need to be documented in the Pre-Return to Practice document available on the deanery's website and a copy emailed to their respective TPD.

• All trainees returning from an absence of 3 months or more are encouraged to access the Supported Return to training programme and contact their department about their educational needs.

Yes. Since the rotations are now to be decided on a 12-monthly rather than 6 monthly basis, the earlier the trainees let their TPD know the better. They would be included in the annual round of Preference Forms (usually sent out late March/early April) and should indicate their preferred geographic sector/posts for their return.

• Trainees on OOP do have an ARCP and an appropriate outcome (8) awarded at the ARCP.

• Trainees going OOPE/OOPR need to provide a detailed Report on their achievements and progress of their research project and/or objectives agreed for the OOPE. Their Supervisor for the OOPR/OOPR also needs to provide a Report (ideally completed using the Trainer's Report template in Kaizen). These documents are not necessary for those going OOPC.

• Trainees going OOPT (which is rare in paediatrics) need to provide the evidence exactly in the same way as trainees in programme using Kaizen. They should use the ARCP Checklist to document their completion of ARCP requirements.

• All trainees on OOP (OOPC/OOPE/OOPR/OOPT) need to complete an Enhanced Form R for their annual Revalidation.

• Trainees on OOP will not be included in the GMC Trainees Survey and JEST Survey and therefore are not required to complete these surveys.

• Trainees on OOP need to ensure that they remain up to date with Life Support and Safeguarding requirements.

You may find this article useful: Top Tips for your OOPE – PaediatricFOAM