Time out of Programme

Time Out Of Programme (OOP)

Taking time out of programme (OOP) is something that many trainees consider doing, for a variety of reasons. There are different categories of OOP and knowing which one to apply for and finding the relevant information isn’t always straightforward.

During any OOP time, you will continue to hold your National Training Number. A trainee can request that some of their time OOP is counted towards their clinical training and CCT, up to a maximum of 12 months, but note that this must be approved by the JRCPTB in advance. OOP requests will not normally be agreed until a trainee has been in a training programme for at least one year (at the point of starting the OOP). Moreover, OOP cannot be taken in the final year of a training programme.  Applications for OOP must be submitted with at least 6 months notice prior to OOP starting.

Categories of OOP

OOPT (OOP for clinical training)

This is to undertake clinical training that is not a part of the trainee’s speciality training programme. This includes “acting up” as a consultant in the final year of training. It can also include overseas posts or posts in the UK that are not already part of a GMC approved programme in the same speciality, in which case approval from the GMC must be sought prospectively (links below).

OOPE (OOP for clinical experience)

To gaining professional skills that would enhance a trainee’s future practice. This can include enhancing skills in medical leadership, academia, medical education or patient safety, or enhancing clinical skills related to but not part of the curriculum. Such experience may benefit the doctor (e.g. working in a different health environment/country) or may help support the health needs of other countries (e.g. with Médecins Sans Frontières, Voluntary Service Overseas, global health partnerships).  There is further information about Medical Education OOP below.

OOPR (OOP for research)

This is to undertake a period of research, usually leading to a MSc, MD or PhD. This normally cannot exceed 3 years, but in some circumstances specific prospective approval from the Postgraduate Dean can be sought for extensions beyond 3 years.

OOPC (OOP for a career break)

Taking a planned career break for an agreed period of time to allow the trainee to pursue other interests (e.g. maternity/paternity leave, domestic responsibilities, work in industry, developing talents in other areas and entrepreneurship). Note this is not an appropriate way of managing health issues. OOPC is usually up to one year, but in some circumstances may be extended up to a maximum of two years, but only after consultation with the Postgraduate Dean.

Credit towards training/CCT can only be sought for OOPT and OOPR, but not for OOPE or OOPC.

Helpful information

Deaneries/LETBs usually require at least 6 months’ notice to approve any OOP, so plan ahead!

• Talk to your training programme director (TPD) as early as possible. This usually means consulting them when you are at the stage of considering an OOP, and certainly before applying for anything. This may seem like “jumping the gun”, but It is useful to have them on your side, and can avoid any awkward situations later on; it also allows them time to plan staffing levels across the deanery/LETB in your proposed absence from clinical training.
• Ultimately, it is the Postgraduate Dean that must give the final sign-off, once the support of your TPD and educational supervisor has been gained. This should be at least 6 months prior to your proposed OOP start date. Check the websites of HEE (England), NES (Scotland), Wales Deanery (Wales), or NIMDTA (N. Ireland) for specific requirements and local contacts.
• In order to request that time from your OOP is counted towards your CCT, final approval must be sought from the JRCPTB at least 8 weeks prior to the start date of your OOP. Applications received less than 8 weeks in advance may not be considered for training credit. The form to request it is on the JRCPTB website OOP page. This form must be submitted to the JRCPTB accompanied by confirmation of approval by the Deanery, an up-to-date CV, and a copy of your job description or research proposal.
• Even if not seeking credit towards CCT, applications should still be forwarded to the JRCPTB (form in link above) in order for them to update your training history. The only additionally required documentation in this case is the Deanery approval.
• OOPs taking place at locations or on programmes that are not pre-approved by the GMC (see link below) require further approval from the GMC once the OOP application has been approved by the JRCPTB. Full information on GMC approved sites/programmes can be found on their website. The JRCPTB states that Deanery is responsible for applying to the GMC if required, but you should confirm this with your Deanery before assuming it will happen.
• Trainees who are on OOP are required to continue to take part in ACRP as usual. This usually consists of a report of progress during the previous year, a review to ensure that clinical competences are being met, and a plan for returning to clinical training. Again, close liaison with your TPD is helpful. If the OOP is longer than one year, then this ARCP process should be undertaken annually.
• When returning to clinical training, there are a number of resources available locally through your deanery and or TPD. Details can be found via the HEE website. Trainees can apply for a phased “Return to Work” package. For example, trainees undertaking OOPR with no clinical component for longer than three months, or trainees taking OOPC with no clinical contact. This can be arranged locally through your TPD.

Author: Dr Alex Teagle