Types of OOP

If you're thinking of applying for an OOP the first thing you need to be clear on is what type of OOP you're applying for.

OOP Experience (OOPE):

• Time out of training for experience in a post that does not count towards CCT

• Examples would include a Gastroenterology trainee doing an endoscopy fellowship, or a trainee doing an education fellowship

OOP Research (OOPR):

• Time out of training for the purposes of research (eg. a MD or PhD)

• Depending on your programme some of this may be counted towards CCT

• Typically this is for a maximum of 3 years but may be extended to 4 years with prospective agreement of the Postgraduate Dean

OOP Training (OOPT):

• Time out of training for approved clinical training, in a post which has prospective approval from the GMC

• This does count towards CCT and typically is for a maximum of 1 year

OOP Pause (OOPP):

• Time out of training for a formal period of time, during which competencies acquired may be counted towards CCT if assessed as appropriate

• This is for a maximum of 1 year

• Further information about OOPP can be found here

OOP Career Break (OOPC):

• Time out of training to pursue other interests or responsibilities for a defined period of time (eg. caring responsibilities, entrepreneurship)

• Applications are considered on their individual merits and usually last for no longer than 1 year

• This should not be used to cover sickness

OOP Acting Up as Consultant (AUC):

• Time out at the end of training in order to act up as a consultant

Applying for your OOP

Please be aware that in all cases you must apply 6 months prior to the intended start date of your OOP. The exception to this is for AUC where you need to apply 16 weeks prior to the intended start date

Application is via the PGDME Support Portal here

Before applying all trainees must have a completed signatory form with signatures of approval from your ES, your speciality TPD and your GIM TPD. You can download the form here

All trainees must also complete a Supported Return to Training (SuppoRTT) form, which you can find here. The SuppoRTT programme is designed to assist trainees in returning to clinical work after a period of absence. Please see the SuppoRTT section of the website for more information.

Depending on the type of OOP you are applying for you will also have to provide other evidence as detailed below

OOPE:

• Attach a description of the experience you are planning to undertake (eg. a description of your overseas posting with a voluntary organisation)

OOPR:

• Attach your research proposal and include the name and institution of your research supervisor

OOPT:

• Attach details of your proposed OOP training

• If the training does not already have GMC approval prospective GMC approval will need to be sought

• If the training is already GMC approved (eg. your OOPR is part of a recognised training programme in a different UK region)

• This is quite confusing but you can read more in the Gold Guide (see page 48)

OOPP:

• Attach the OOPP Initiation Form

OOPC:

• Attach a brief description of your reasons for wanting to take a career break while retaining your training number

After submitting your form you will receive email notification from NHSE once a decision has been made.

Life OOP

Ideally, life would get much simpler once you are actually OOP but unfortunately there are still a few things you need to consider:

If you need to change the anticipated date of your return from OOP you must give your TPD at least 6 months notice. Failure to do so may result in delayed re-entry to your training programme

You must maintain your license to practice while OOP even if your OOP does not include any clinical component

You will still have an ARCP every year that you are OOP:

• Prior to ARCP you need to ensure that you complete a Form R on the TIS Self-Service

• You also need to complete an OOP Update Form

• Finally please remember that if you have had any time in training since your last ARCP you need to complete an ES Report as normal

• Example 1: Nafisa is an ST5 who rotates every October. She was in training as an ST5 from October-April and then OOPE from April until her ARCP in June. She needs an ES Report to cover her training from her ST4 ARCP the summer before until the April when she started her OOPE.

• Example 2: Nikki is an ST6 who rotates every October. She has been on OOPR for the past 18 months. She was OOPR for her previous ARCP last summer and will be OOPR until after her next ARCP in June. She does not need an ES Report for her upcoming ARCP.

Depending on your type of OOP and its duration you may feel the need for extra support to feel confident in returning to training. Please see the SuppoRTT page for further information on the support available.

General Considerations

There are a few more things that you need to think about prior to applying for an OOP:

Once again, you must apply 6 months in advance of your anticipated start date. The exact window in which OOP applications will be assessed, depending on your anticipated start date, can be found at the top of the form here. The exception is trainees applying for AUC who must apply at least 16 weeks in advance.

Trainees will normally not be allowed to take an OOP in the first year or the final year of training. The exception is for trainees applying for AUC which, of course, is only possible in the final year of training.

A maximum of 3 years OOP will be allowed during higher speciality training, but this is only for OOPR (ie. to complete a PhD). Extensions (eg. a 4th year of OOPR or a 2nd year of OOPE) will only be granted in exceptional circumstances

Be aware that your OOP application is likely to be refused if you are not on track to meet your training requirements as per your most recent ARCP. If you've got your heart set on an OOP then don't neglect your training requirements and keep those Outcome 1s ticking over.

The only way to get your OOP to count in part or in whole towards CCT is prospectively. You cannot apply retrospectively for some of your training to be discounted on the basis of your experience during your OOP

If your OOP application is refused you should discuss with your TPD in the first instance. You have the right to appeal the decision by writing to your Postgraduate Dean or nominated deputy

Please note that if you are an academic trainee it is not possible to take an OOP without relinquishing your academic award

If you are on a Tier 2 Visa we would recommend you check your eligibility for OOP and any impact it may have on your visa status by emailing tier2@hee.nhs.uk