452 A National Survey of UK Foundation Trainee's Perceptions of Surgical Skills in the Foundation Training Programme

Abstract

Abstract Aim Attention to surgical skills development of UK foundation trainees within the UK foundation training programme appears to be neglected. This study aimed to ascertain junior doctors’ perceptions of surgical skills within the foundation training programme, irrespective of their future career intentions. Method An online survey generated using SurveyMonkey was distributed to all 18 UK foundation training schools. This survey assessed foundation trainees’ surgical skills experience in medical school, current career intentions, confidence at basic surgical skills and perceptions of the level of surgical skills training within the foundation programme. Results A total of 245 responses were collected. Career intentions amongst foundation trainee respondents was evenly distributed with 39.6% aiming for a career in surgery, 41.6% opting for a non-surgical career and 18.8% of participants were undecided on their future career path. Trainees felt that they did not have adequate exposure to surgical skills (4.5, Likert scale 1–10) and did not have adequate exposure to specialty specific skills within the foundation training programme (3.3, Likert scale 1–10). On average, 75% of participants believed further exposure to surgical skills training would be beneficial to their professional development. Furthermore, 67% believed that surgical skills should be incorporated in the core competencies for the foundation training programme. Conclusions Our study shows that foundation trainees feel that there is a lack of adequate exposure to surgical skills within the foundation programme. Foundation trainees feel change is required to help improve competency in basic surgical skills and as an extension increase interest in a surgical career.