The anaesthetic logbook--a survey.

All anaesthetic trainees must maintain a logbook. The recent extension of Specialist Registrar training from 4 to 5 years, granted by the Specialist Training Authority, is conditional upon a change to competency-based training. The Royal College of Anaesthetists defines competency as possession of the 'trinity' of knowledge, skills and attitudes. This raises the question of whether the present logbook is of value in recording training. I surveyed a national cohort of trainees to investigate the current logbook: how it is being used, its value and its shortcomings. All respondents kept logbooks, but 81% and 69% experienced problems recording subspecialty experience in Intensive Care and Pain, respectively. Less than 50% regularly analysed their logbooks and for 67% of Specialist Registrars, no (or minimal) attention was paid to the logbook at assessments. Overwhelmingly, 97% did not believe that the current logbook assessed competency. The value of Training Portfolios is discussed.