The new web-based Medical Training Application System (MTAS) used to recruit junior doctors has ‘descended into pandemonium’, according to the British Medical Association.
The new website was created by the Department for Health under the new ‘Modernising Medical Careers’ scheme where junior doctors enter a two year foundation programme before entering specialist training posts.
It is run by Methods Consulting, but according to the BMA ‘the system for applying to posts has been blighted by technical problems, leaving applicants unsure of their future careers.’
The medics say that MTAS was repeatedly delayed with the website falling over due to demand, causing data loss and glitches to filing applications, resulting in two extensions to the original application deadline.
A Methods Consulting spokesperson confirmed to E-Health Insider that they have had two days where performance problems have been an issue, but denied allegations of data loss by their system.
“As with any new system, errors can happen. On the first occasion a software bug managed to get into the system which resulted in major performance problems and a five minute outage. This was resolved and we do regret any inconvenience that has occurred as a result of it.
“The second outage occurred this Monday when candidates were checking for news of shortlistings. The huge immediate hit on the system was too much for the system to handle, and unfortunately it went down for two hours. Again, we offer sincere apologies and regret for this.”
The BMA is now concerned that the extensions have led to rushed decisions on shortlisted candidates, some of whom have been offered interviews for positions in specialties, without having the necessary qualifications.
In a statement, they said: “The BMA is concerned that the system is potentially open to corruption following reports that staff without the necessarily qualifications were invited to shortlist applicants, and that shortlisters were able to alter candidates’ scores.”
The chairman of the BMA Junior Doctors Committee, Dr Jo Hilborne has also written to the health secretary to express her concerns over the system.
In the letter, she writes: “This system has been inconsistent and problematic throughout the entire process. As this is now annual recruitment with the future of over 30,000 doctors at stake, the BMA requires strong assurance as to the probity and stability of the MTAS system. With rotations due to begin at the start of August it is vital that the system is seen to be fair and just, with the best doctors being appointed in the interest of patient care and the future of the consultant-led NHS.”
A Methods Consulting spokesperson told E-Health Insider: “It is extremely disappointing that the BMA have chosen to write this letter. It is clearly an important subject for everyone in terms of their future careers, but I feel that the facts are somewhat different to what is being mentioned here.
“The MTAS site has been live since October. There have been a small number of problems with the site going down, but these have been very small problems. We worked with the Department of Health and the BMA to agree deadlines when these errors occurred. We have a good working relationship with the NHS and believe that this will continue.”
The letter details five paragraphs relating to the web-based service and emphasises that MTAS has ‘experienced a large number of technical problems plus underestimation of demand for the service, problems with post selection, difficulties submitting applications and data loss.’
She goes on to explain that the shortlisting process has been hampered by problems with the system including shortlisting papers not being received until halfway through the shortlisting period and the failure of shortlisters to be able to mark applications online, resulting in them printing them out and concerns over missing applications as a result of this.
The Methods Consulting spokesperson told EHI that no saved data had been lost from the system, but some candidates were unaware of time-outs that prevented them from moving onto the next stage after a specific period of time. He added that a huge number of bookings for interviews had now been made.
A Department for Health spokesperson told E-Health Insider that delays in the system were regrettable, but staff have worked extremely hard to ensure that all applications for specialty training have been thoroughly assessed.
An estimated 30,000 junior doctors have applied for around 22,000 new UK specialist training posts. Notification of interviews was due to take place last Saturday with the recruitment beginning two days ago.
The BMA is now appealing to Hewitt to delay the interview process until the government can prove that all shortlisting has been consistent and fair.
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