Current clinical service pressures often prevent the delivery of good
postgraduate training for senior house officers. Learning on the job a
llows service and training to be combined. A pocket-sized training gui
de to support on-the-job learning was developed for senior house offic
ers in paediatrics. The guide adopted a task-based approach, using com
mon clinical problems (tasks) as the focus for learning. A combination
of clinical information, practical management tips and suggestions fo
r further learning opportunities was included. Some sections of the gu
ide allowed individualization and users were encouraged to note local
information, document progress and add personal comments. Guides were
distributed to over one hundred senior house officers in paediatric un
its throughout Scotland, with the support of local tutors. Preliminary
evaluation suggests such a guide may prove a useful tool in supportin
g on-the-job learning.