The state of specialty training in young adult and adolescent health in medical specialties in the UK: Resident doctors' and trainers' perspectives

Fernandes, L; Rodziewicz, M; Naidu, SB; Sakib, MN; Rashwan, M; El Abd, S; Knox, L; Owen, PNO; Sargant, NN; Krishnamoorthi, A; Sen, D; Newbery, N; Wright, RJ; Howard, EJ; Bouraoui, A

Journal article

The state of specialty training in young adult and adolescent health in medical specialties in the UK: Resident doctors' and trainers' perspectives

Abstract:: Study objectiveTo assess current perceptions of training in adolescent and young adult healthcare among UK resident doctors and educational supervisors (ES), and to identify barriers and opportunities for improvement.DesignCross-sectional national survey of resident doctors and ES, followed by qualitative focus group discussions.SettingUK-wide, involving medical specialties participating in internal medicine training (IMT) and higher specialty training programmes.Participants670 resident doctors and 64 ES across 29 specialties. A subset of nine participants (four ES, five resident doctors) took part in focus groups.Main outcome measuresExposure to training, confidence in managing adolescent medicine, awareness of transition care tools and policies, perceived barriers and suggestions for improvement.Results18% of resident doctors had attended transition clinics and 38% reported no formal training in adolescent medicine. 5% of respondents were aware of national training guidance. Confidence and preparedness were low, with significant variation across specialties. ES confirmed the importance of adolescent medicine training but noted systemic limitations. Key barriers included limited clinical opportunities, lack of curricular emphasis and poor interdepartmental coordination.ConclusionsTraining in adolescent medicine remains inconsistent across UK specialties. System-wide reforms are needed to improve preparedness and care quality. This may include mandating adolescent care competencies, structured clinic access and integration into curricula.

Publication status:: Published

Peer review status:: Peer reviewed

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APA Style

Fernandes, L., Rodziewicz, M., Naidu, S. B., Sakib, M. N., Rashwan, M., El Abd, S., Knox, L., Owen, P. N. O., Sargant, N. N., Krishnamoorthi, A., Sen, D., Newbery, N., Wright, R. J., Howard, E. J., & Bouraoui, A. (2026). The state of specialty training in young adult and adolescent health in medical specialties in the UK: Resident doctors' and trainers' perspectives. Future Healthcare Journal, 13(2), 100524.

MLA Style

Fernandes, L, et al. “The State of Specialty Training in Young Adult and Adolescent Health in Medical Specialties in the UK: Resident Doctors' and Trainers' Perspectives.” Future Healthcare Journal, vol. 13, no. 2, 2026, p. 100524.

Chicago Style

Fernandes, L, M Rodziewicz, SB Naidu, et al. 2026. “The State of Specialty Training in Young Adult and Adolescent Health in Medical Specialties in the UK: Resident Doctors' and Trainers' Perspectives.” Future Healthcare Journal 13 (2): 100524.
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