dbRotations
Bespoke Tool Created for TPDs
Over the last year, we have developed a bespoke, algorithm-based platform for Training Programme Directors (TPDs) to manage hospital allocations and trainee data more efficiently.
The software has been successfully trialled in West Yorkshire with Stage 1 Anaesthetic trainees for the February and August 2025 rotations, including ACCS trainees in August.
Key Platform Features
For TPDs:
- Define trusts and hospital capacity within the deanery
- Set educational requirements for each year/module
- Manage available opportunities and match them to hospitals/modules with capacity constraints
- Limit number of trainee rotations to reduce disruptions
- Manually allocate placements for bespoke trainee needs
For Residents:
- Input educational needs and preferences
- Highlight exceptional requirements (e.g. care, occupational health)
- Rank hospital preferences within the programme
- Specify movement preferences to avoid repeat relocations
- Provide postcode data for commute calculations (optional for TPDs)
Results
- Of 60 trainees assessed, 29 were eligible for allocation.
- Among them, 69.0% were in full-time training.
- Most trainees (93.1%) received one of their top two hospital choices, with an average preference rank of 1.6 (SD 0.8) from six options.
- The average commuting time was 26.2 minutes (SD 12.5).
- Once allocations are confirmed by the TPD, results can be shared directly with trainees.
Trainee Feedback
- 96% valued having a formal preferencing system
- 76% found the platform easy to use
- 60% considered the system fair