32 Enhancing Equity in a Widening Participation Scheme for School Students

Abstract

Abstract Aim The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) Diversity Review 2021 found pre-medical school students from ethnic minority backgrounds were dissuaded from pursuing a career in surgery. Gloucestershire is in the bottom 20% of deprivation; with no widening participation (WP) scheme in the county. We implemented an inclusive WP scheme in Gloucester, with means of accessing virtual and face-to-face work-experience, to enhance the equity of work-experience. Method A three-stage project was conducted; 1; virtual Q&A sessions, asking questions about life as a doctor; 2; conversation between the student and patient held virtually, to gain insight into whether medicine is the right career; 3; face-to-face work-experience. Distribution sent to all 58 schools in the county. Results 129 people attended the Q&A; 70 feedback responses received. 86% female, 56% of ethnic minority background. 26% did not have an immediate family member that attended university, 10% had caring responsibilities. 81% rated the session >8/10 for usefulness. 27 undertook the virtual conversation, feedback from 11; 91% female, 45% of ethnic minority background, 27% did not have an immediate family member that attended university. All rated the session 10/10 for usefulness. Conclusions The RCS Report identified barriers with aspiring students from less-privileged backgrounds pursuing a career in surgery. More needs to be done with WP schemes to promote equity. Targeted distribution of WP schemes to all schools, utilisation of a means of offering work-experience, and accessibility to a younger age-group were aspects of our WP, to improve the equity of work-experience in the county.