Mike Hale: What support does J&J offer pre-regs in terms of preparing for the final assessment?
Kamlesh Chauhan: At Johnson & Johnson Vision, we have a deep understanding of the pre-reg system having run programmes over several years to support trainees. Our understanding is not only in terms of what trainees need but also the support that supervisors require. The support we provide is through our four-year Success Through Education Programme (STEP) initiative. It is an extensive series of digital resources that include interactive digital assets, live lectures including demonstration of techniques, and support from mentors.
Over the period there are almost 100 interactions that are delivered in a timely fashion to coincide with when subjects are of particular relevance to the trainee. This part of STEP supports trainees to successfully navigate their practice-based assessments including the Stage 2 assessment that allows them to undertake the Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE) assessments. Once this has been completed the trainees attend a one-day course where they undergo more face-to-face training. A critical and valuable part of this element is the ‘mock’ OSCEs which enable the trainees to experience what an OSCE feels like. The experience is very real as the assessment is carried out under exam situations. Following this the trainees are given feedback as to how to improve their performance at the actual OSCE.
MH: Can you give more details about how the support is delivered and where the mock OSCEs take place?
KC: To ensure trainees have access at a time and format that suits them, the majority of support is provided digitally so they can access it as and when needed. The mentors assigned to the trainees work at a more local level and provide support for specific questions and queries as and when it is needed. The mentors are qualified optometrists that have recently been through the pre-reg period themselves so are able to empathise with the trainees. The mentors themselves are supported by very experienced optometrists who are College assessors and examiners so they can also access further help if required. The ‘mock’ OSCEs take place at our Johnson & Johnson Institute in Berkshire which is a state-of-the-art educational facility. The facility allows us to run OSCEs in an authentic fashion and provide further training and education.
MH: How does STEP help students in the build up to the pre-reg year?
KC: STEP is a four-year initiative that starts in the penultimate year of an optometry undergraduate’s course. At that stage students are introduced to STEP at their own university through a presentation delivered by past STEP delegates and our highly experienced faculty. From this presentation onwards students can enrol into STEP and access material that supports them through their undergraduate training as a complement to the education provided by the university itself. Students also attend a day-long course at the J&J Institute in Berkshire where they learn about communication, how to prepare for their pre-reg period and practical skills.
MH: How can students access STEP?
KC: We would encourage students to attend the STEP presentation that happens at their university. At this time, they can enrol into the programme.
MH: Does J&J support pre-regs in any other ways?
KC: STEP is a very comprehensive initiative that has been running for over five years. It has been created by taking advice from students, trainees, lecturers and professional bodies. We feel that taking students through from their penultimate year at university to two years after passing their OSCEs is an initiative not available elsewhere. However, for a couple of students each year we also support them to undertake a summer research project under supervision by a university lecturer that gives them an insight into academic life. This has been very successful with some students presenting their findings at BCLA meetings. •