Covid 19 update for interns and those involved in prevocational medical training
The Medical Council want to thank all interns and those involved in prevocational medical training for the important contribution they are making at DHBs and for the care being provided to the public of Aotearoa. Council understand that this is a difficult and challenging time.
The information below will help provide some clarity about the work that may done as part of the COVID-19 response.
Working in non-accredited clinical settings
Council have extended the scope of practice for all interns, to allow them to work in “COVID-19 related health services outside of accredited clinical attachments” until 15 January 2023. This includes placements in services that require cover, that are not directly related to the pandemic.
This allows interns to be placed where service demands are most acute or to backfill for other staff called to respond to COVID-19, or who need to isolate.
The extension of the scope of practice means that they may, with authorisation from a Prevocational Educational Supervisor, Clinical Director of Training or CMO of your DHB, work outside accredited clinical attachments in response to COVID-19.
Prevocational educational supervisors will need ensure that any non-accredited clinical placement that interns are assigned to are in an appropriate environment, and that an appropriate level of clinical supervision is in place. The clinical supervisor on the placement will need to ensure a safe environment and that interns are asked to do tasks that are in line with their stage of training and skill level, noting that supervisors may not be present for all the clinical work.
Any work you do outside of an accredited attachment for the purposes of the COVID-19 response will still count towards an interns learning requirements.
Supervision meeting requirements
The usual beginning, middle and end-of clinical attachment meetings do not need to occur in person, but interns do need to continue to meet with their clinical supervisor and record these in e-port. These meetings may take place by Zoom or other virtual means. Similarly, formal teaching programmes may take place remotely, or be replaced by access to electronic teaching sessions.
Support
Council encourages interns to keep in touch with their prevocational educational supervisors so they can provide support and guidance that might be needed. This is an opportunity to discuss any concerns that may have arisen in the attachment.
Interns can contact Council at prevocationalmailbox@mcnz.org.nz if they have any questions.