Implementation

There is no one size fits all solution to EWTD compliance, however, there are some common features which are critical to the successful achievement of a 48 hour working week for Doctors in Training. For many of the pilot hospitals the key to reducing the length of the working week for their Doctors in Training was to change how the hospital provided its emergency and elective service to patients. By looking at what staff and services were required to care for patients with differing clinical needs it was possible to change the way in which the hospital functioned which in turn allowed for EWTD compliant rotas to be developed and ensured that the workforce had the mix of skills to meet the range of patient needs. Board level commitment, good clinical engagement and effective project management were also key factors.