In the UK, Deaneries have specific protocol for handover between doctors during on-call duties. However, there is no formal protocol for handover between trainees during changeover of their posts in February/August rotations. This has significant impact on service provision and training as outlined in the good practice guidelines of the GMC. Further, end of post handover is important in psychiatry as trainees have their own clinic caseload.

To evaluate the handover practice extant amongst trainees in Mersey deanery at the changeover of posts.

Literature search was conducted to identify handover protocol recommended by any deaneries in UK during changeover of posts. A questionnaire was synthesized based on the recommended good practice guidance. It was disseminated to trainee psychiatrists and results were analyzed.

The questionnaire covered how long prior to their rotation trainees were intimated of their placements, whether trainees and their trainer met prior to the commencement of the post; whether they discussed the job role and leave arrangements, handover practice etc.

Results showed there was no formal arrangements for handover at the end between trainees. In many cases, the trainees had not arranged to meet with their trainers before commencing their post. There was very minimal interaction between outgoing and incoming trainees about clinical caseload.

Handover at the end of the post has significant impact on service provision and trainee confidence during rotation, especially in psychiatry. It is recommended that protocols be developed for handover between trainees prior to commencement of the post.