Completing a CUT (Completion of Unit of Training) Form
In order for a CUT form to be signed off it is essential that all 5 domains are considered and completed.
Each CUT form should be signed off by the designated Unit Lead or Educational Supervisor. It is strongly encouraged for CUT forms to be completed as soon as possible, at the end of a Unit of Training (UoT), through-out the year. Last minute “all in one day sign offs” are strongly discouraged. The implementation of designated UoT Leads in the department can encourage the timely completion of CUT forms and should be considered by all departments.
Completion of the following 5 domains are essential in order to complete a CUT Form:
1. The appropriate number of WPBAs:
Usually 1 CEX, 1 DOPS and 1 CBD or as directed in the workbooks for each particular UoT.
Please note that all ACCS Trainees have additonal WPBAs that need to be completed in addition to the anaesthetic requirements. This is especially the case for Intensive Care Units of Training. Details of what is required can be found on the checklists for the ARCP requirements for ACCS Trainees webpage.
2. Logbook Review:
The RCoA strongly encourages the use of a logbook. However when it comes to the amount of cases required to allow sign off, the advice becomes less clear. It is difficult to stipulate specific numbers for specific UoTs and these logbook numbers should be reviewed at a local level and compared to that of peers working in the same environment. The logbook review should consider the mix of cases, level of supervision and balance of elective and emergency cases, if relevant, for the unit. A unit should be able to support an adequate amount of cases for specific UoTs and this can be agreed locally. Please note a logbook is only a part of assessing a trainee’s UoT requirements and should not be viewed in isolation.
3. Minimum Clinical Learning Outcomes:
The completion of this field is mandatory. Please refer to the workbook for the required outcomes.
4. Multi-source Feedback (MSF):
MSF seeks feedback from the multidisciplinary team, including consultants, on overall professional behaviour. Although preferred at time of CUT completion, this is not always possible, as MSFs only get completed once a year during training. For that reason not having a MSF available for a UoT sign off is usually acceptable. However for specific individuals it might be considered as mandatory.
5. Consultant Feedback:
Consultant feedback, and feedback from other approved anaesthetist trainers, is an important source of evidence when assessing trainees’ performance. This means of assessment is valuable in identifying trainees who are performing above and below the standard expected for their level. It is now a mandatory part of completing a unit of training, and should assure whoever signs the CUT form that the trainee is considered competent to provide anaesthesia and peri-operative care to the required level in this unit of training. Consultant feedback differs from MSF as it concerns a trainee’s progress in a specific unit of training only and is not multidisciplinary.
The completion of each specialist unit of training (neuroanaesthesia/paediatric anaesthesia/cardiac anaesthesia) must involve consultant feedback. For general duties units this should be done at six-month intervals. If specialist feedback was conducted within the 6 month period of general duties then an additional feedback for that 6 months will not be required.
However, completing general duties units need not be delayed until ‘end of posting’ feedback is complete; in this case the trainer signing the CUT form must satisfy themselves (by verbal consultation if necessary) that those involved in training in the unit in question agree that the trainee has completed the unit satisfactorily.
Consultant feedback should be collated, linked to the Unit of Training and presented in the Educational Supervisor’s Structured Report at ARCP. It should be discussed with the trainee during or at the end of a Unit of Training.
Consultant Feedback Form – Word doc
Consultant Feedback Form – PDF
Additional Requirements:
There are two additional requirements to the above criteria for completing a CUT form for:
Management of Respiratory and Cardiac Arrest UoT
Trainees need a current ALS Certificate within the last year for this to be a valid method of signing off the CUT form.
If their ALS certificate is valid but more than one year old, proof of their annual Trust Induction Resuscitation Refresher (as a DOPS) or a DOPS for a Simulated Scenario will be required to enable the Learning Outcomes to be signed-off. Alternatively the trainee could perhaps use this opportunity to do an APLS or EPLS Course instead or they can renew their ALS Certification within the current year.
A further A-CEX and CDB will be required as documented in the Core Level Training Workbook.
Critical Incidents UoT
The School offers a Critical Incidents Course at the beginning of every year that has been developed to allow the completion of the required WPBAs and CUT form for this UoT.