Training refugee and asylum-seeking doctors: a cohort study of the UK REACHE programme.

OBJECTIVE: Refugee and asylum-seeking (RAS) doctors benefit from specialised support to achieve medical registration, though there is limited published evidence from programmes supporting them. This study describes the outcomes of the Refugee and Asylum Seekers Centre for Healthcare Professionals Education (REACHE), a UK-based comprehensive language, clinical and professionalism skills training programme in supporting RAS doctors. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Single educational centre. PARTICIPANTS: 607 doctor learners admitted to the REACHE programme. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Learner characteristics, demographics and learning journeys (including duration studying and examination pass rates) and alumni outcomes (including registration, specialties obtained and practice locations). RESULTS: Of 607 doctor learners having entered the programme, 109 are currently on the programme and 498 are alumni. Learners took a median 1.3 years between arriving in the UK and contacting REACHE, with a median 6.4 years of prior clinical experience. Learners had high first-attempt pass rates (≥85%) for occupational language and clinical examinations required for registration. Of the alumni, 258 (51.8%) completed the programme (median time of 2.1 years) and achieved registration for practice and National Health Service employment. Of those who left before completion, who had access to 10 year post-programme scaffolded support, nearly one quarter (53 of 228; 23.2%) also achieved registration. 82 alumni are on specialty registers. CONCLUSION: Retraining programmes such as REACHE can effectively support RAS doctor requalification, providing the UK medical workforce with experienced professionals. Improved referral pathways, sustainable funding and incorporation into government health workforce strategies are expected to strengthen already substantial achievements of programmes such as REACHE.