The Foundation Programme Reference Guide - Academy of Medical ...

7. Quality assurance, management and control7.1 In order to ensure the delivery of high quality education for the two years of theFoundation Programme and to promote its continuing improvement; a robust andrigorous evaluation of the education delivered has to be in place. Overall responsibilityfor this now rests with the General Medical Council (GMC) as the regulator of theFoundation Programme. The GMC and the Postgraduate Medical Education andTraining Board (which merged with the GMC in 2010), established a single system thatsets out the standards and criteria for quality assurance of the Foundation Programme,known as Quality Assurance of the Foundation Programme (QAFP).7.2 There are three levels of quality activity:• Quality Assurance - carried out by the GMC“This encompasses all the policies, standards, systems and processes directed toensuring maintenance and enhancement of the quality of postgraduate medicaleducation in the UK including the Foundation Programme. The GMC undertakesplanned and systematic activities to provide public and patient confidence thatpostgraduate medical education satisfies given requirements for quality within theprinciples of good regulation.”• Quality Management - carried out by the deanery“This refers to the arrangements by which the deanery discharges its responsibilityfor the standards and quality of postgraduate medical education, includingthe Foundation Programme. It satisfies itself that local education and trainingproviders are meeting the standards set by the GMC through robust reporting andmonitoring mechanisms.”• Quality Control - carried out at Local Education Provider (LEP) level“This relates to the arrangements (procedures, organisation) within LEPs(health boards, national health service trusts, independent sectors) that ensurepostgraduate medical trainees including foundation doctors receive education andtraining that meets local, national and professional standards.”Quality Assurance7.3 The GMC have set national standards for the delivery and outcomes of the FoundationProgramme. Deaneries/foundation schools are required to demonstrate that thestandards have been met through reports and visits. There are nine domains of activitydescribed:1 patient safety;2 quality assurance, review and evaluation;3 equality, diversity and opportunity;4 recruitment, selection and appointment;5 delivery of Curriculum including assessment;6 support and development of trainees, trainers and local faculty;7 management of education and training;8 educational resources and capacity;9 outcomes.The UK Foundation Programme: Reference Guide22