0170 Should simulation based medical training be integrated into final year medical student curriculum in order to better prepare for foundation training

Background Foundation Training Programme acts as a bridge from medical school to specialist training. The Royal College of Physicians refers to Foundation Training (FT) as “practical experience needed to work independently”, 1 however many students feel under-prepared for this daunting step. High fidelity simulation may be a valuable tool in bridging this gap through exposure to clinical scenarios in a controlled environment. Methodology 15 final year medical students participated in 2-week Simulation Training (ST) in which candidates portrayed the role of Foundation Doctor. Scenarios covered clinical pathologies including heart failure and pneumonia followed by a formal debrief. Data from focus groups and feedback forms before and after ST were analysed to determine candidate’s concerns about FT and benefit of ST in addressing these. Results Pre-simulation; All students did not feel prepared for FT, particularly highlighted was a lack of practical exposure in making clinical decisions. Post-simulation, All felt empowered to make clinical decisions through learning from practical experience with ST forming a link between theory and real life. All of the students felt ST would be useful in medical school training. Conclusions and recommendations This small study found ST to be an effective tool in helping medical students ease into FT. Reference https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/medical-careers/foundation-doctors