The survey gives a snapshot of the quality of medical education and training at a national level and is an important part of how we make sure medical education and training is meeting the standards we set. The survey gives us an indication of where we need to concentrate our work to bring about improvements to the quality of training. The survey also gives information to postgraduate deaneries and local education providers to help them improve the quality of training in their own area. Overall, despite the current financial pressures, the 2012 survey paints a generally positive picture of trainee doctors’ perceptions of the quality of training, although there remain significant concerns in some key areas, including the quality of induction, handover, feedback, assessment and the quality of the experience some trainees are receiving in their posts. The survey data must be treated with caution and they should be seen alongside other data. Where necessary, information provided by the survey should be followed up with detailed investigation.Â
