A Review of Competency Based Orthopaedic Training in the UK: A Trainee’s Perspective

Abstract

This review explores the concepts and methodology in competency based education, with reference to orthopaedic training in the United Kingdom. In 2006, a new competency based curriculum for postgraduate training in Trauma and Orthopaedics was approved by the Postgraduate Medical Education Training Board. Though the curriculum is now widely accepted, few surgeons have a theoretical knowledge of the basis for competency-based medical education, beyond their own area of involvement. This paper explores the theory and concepts behind competency based education in UK orthopaedic training, which is also of relevance to comparable international orthopaedic training systems and the wider surgical specialities.