Service contribution and cost-effectiveness of specialist registrars in NHS trusts: a survey and costing analysis

Since the introduction of the European Working Time Directive, specialist registrars arguably contribute less to clinical service. The purpose of this study was to broadly quantify the service contribution of specialist registrars across a range of specialties and their value to an NHS organisation. A questionnaire-based survey of the clinical activities of specialist registrars in a large NHS trust was undertaken. Simple costing analyses of this clinical activity were performed. Responses from 66 specialist registrars in 24 specialties showed an average of 51% overall clinical autonomy. Trainees attended an average of 2.7 outpatient clinics per week and spent 3.5 sessions a week doing ward work. Medical trainees took more referrals and attended more clinics. An analysis of costings suggested that surgical trainees might have generated around £700,000 income per year for the trust. Overall, specialist registrars make a substantial contribution to NHS clinical service and are cost-effective.