Fit for the Future: Geriatric Medicine Trainee Experience of Training Opportunities and Experiences in Community Geriatrics
Abstract
Background:
As healthcare delivery increasingly shifts from Hospital-based to Community-based settings, it is essential that Geriatric Medicine training equips future Consultants with the skills required to deliver care closer to home. The 2025 BGS TPD report highlighted variation in training opportunities and experiences in Community Geriatrics across the UK. The BGS Healthcare in the Community Group (HCG) sought to explore Geriatric Medicine trainees’ experiences of training in Community Geriatrics subspecialty in more detail.
Methods:
Trainees were invited to complete a survey exploring their experiences of Community Geriatrics during their training to date. The survey was shared via the BGS HCG group, national trainee representative network, deanery trainee WhatsApp and email groups, and the BGS trainee bulletin.
Results:
50 trainees from 18 UK deaneries completed the survey. 30% had selected Community Geriatrics as their Theme for Service, with 26% of respondents planning to subspecialise in this field. Although 78% had some experience of Community Geriatrics, only 31% had spent 12 weeks or more in the subspecialty and just 46% were satisfied with their training in this area. Training experiences included community hospital attachments, care home visits, and Hospital at Home experience. Barriers to training were common, and included rota pressures (58%), and lack of local services (46%). 49% of trainees reported self-funding travel associated with community work.
Conclusions:
The shift from Hospital to Community is one of the three fundamental shifts outlined in the DHSC Fit for the future: 10 Year Health Plan. There is clearly enthusiasm among Geriatric trainees to subspecialise in this area. However, training opportunities vary considerably in terms of their structure, accessibility, and the amount of time trainees can spend within them. Ensuring that trainees can access high-quality Community Geriatrics experiences will be critical to developing a future workforce of Geriatricians equipped to deliver excellence in care provision in this setting.