An update on the National Online Training Program (NOTP)
Over a year on from Professor Davenport’s kind introduction to the NOTP in the BAPS newsletter (https://www.baps.org.uk/news/training/the-rise-of-e-learning-the-national-online-training-programme-notp/), we wanted to bring you an update on the project.
The NOTP has been live since January 2025, and aims to eventually become a complete resource with all of the theoretical knowledge needed to pass the FRCS Paed Surg. Content is delivered through monthly webinars (high quality overviews of bread and butter topics), podcasts hosted by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (in depth conversations on smaller topics and controversial areas) and a resource library with links to papers, guidelines, operative videos and more. In addition in 2026, we have added a question bank in two formats: one ‘knowledge based’ (traditional MCQs, released in topic-based quizzes) and one ‘higher-order thinking’ (a 120 question FRCS-style mock, with questions checked and validated by consultants).
We surveyed the trainees at the summer BAPS National Training Day and have had very positive feedback on all aspects of the NOTP, with requests for more content. We will soon be planning our webinar program for 2027, and are continuing to produce podcasts regularly, writing questions for the question bank and adding resources to the library – we’re keeping busy!
If you are a trainee or member of the MDT who would like access to NOTP, or a consultant interested in reviewing the content, please email us at [email protected] with your name, GMC/IMC/NMC number and email address and we will grant you access. And if you would like to get involved in producing content for us, we would love to hear from you by email too!
Esther Westwood
Honorary Digital NOTP Fellow