1276 Is There Enough Time to Train? An Audit of Core Surgical Training Rotas

Abstract

Abstract Aim This audit aims to compare Core Surgical Training (CST) rotas in our region against the Joint Committee on Surgical Training (JCST) Quality Indicator (QI) 10’s minimum standard of 5 consultant supervised training sessions per week. Method Core surgical trainees in one training region were contacted requesting their on-call rotas from rotations undertaken during the 2019/20 academic year. Rotas were analysed in a protocolised manner, with the number of potential training sessions available calculated and compared against the JCST QI 10 minimum recommendation. Results Twenty-four rotas were assessed across 17 hospitals. Only six (25%) rotas achieved the JCST QI 10 recommended minimum 5 training sessions per week. There was a mean deficit of 18.5 (+/-29.5) training sessions per 6-month rotation. Rotas compliant with JCST QI 10 used a mean rota pattern of 1 in 11 compared to 1 in 9 for those failing to meet the target. Sub-analysis, comprising of the addition of expected consultant supervised training whilst on call, led to an improvement in compliance. 9 (38%) rotas met JCST QI 10's minimum standard when 0.5 hours of consultant supervised training time per on-call session was included, and 13 (54%) rotas met the standard when 1 hour was included. Conclusions Core surgical trainee rotas in the region are failing to provide the minimum number of consultant supervised training sessions set out by JCST QI 10. A move to reduced on-call commitment, increased use of supporting medical practitioners and regular perceived consultant supervised training whilst on call should be considered to improve this.