ABSTRACT
Sometimes it all goes wrong. Sometimes the difficulty lies with the learner, sometimes with the teacher and sometimes the learner–teacher relationship. There are probably as many causes of inter-relationship problems as there are challenging trainees but there are some recurring themes to look at. Sometimes the problem is the post and the trainer. Common trainer–trainee problems ‘The biggest trainer problem we find is lack of documentation.’ ‘The biggest and most difficult trainee problem is lack of insight.’ The employer should inform the trainee at an early stage that he/she may approach their professional body or the deanery for advice, particularly if there are concerns that any allegations are as a result of professional issues, and/or education and training difficulties. If the health professional learner’s performance is consistently poor, even though all educational measures have been tried to put things right, then it may on occasions be necessary to inform the professional regulatory body.
