550 Implementation of Inclusive Initiatives at a Grassroot Level to Ensure Long-Term Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity in Surgery

Abstract

Abstract Aim Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in surgery begins at ensuring accessible initiatives are executed at a grassroot level for prospective students. The Royal College of Surgeons illustrated that 20% of their surgical leadership positions were from BAME communities. SGUL MedEd Society aims to support students from widening participation (WP) backgrounds in their medical application by addressing disparities and providing support within these areas. Method We conducted free sessions aimed at different aspects of the medicine application with the intention of facilitating understanding and support for WP students. Multiple domains were covered such as a UCAT webinar, an ‘Experience into medicine’ simulated workshop covering the key learning styles employed in university as well as multiple mini-interview (MMI) preparation through an online webinar and in-person mock. Feedback forms were implemented before and after sessions using 5-Point Likert scales to measure changes in confidence. Results An increase in confidence applying to medical school was observed in the ‘Experience into medicine’ workshop (n=25) with a 60% rise in students rating 4/5. Statistical analysis was carried out on the results obtained from the MMI webinar (n=169) using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test which suggested the initiative significantly improved students’ confidence (w=14, a=0.005). This was followed by a practice MMI session (n=68) whereby 50% of students reported feeling more prepared for a real MMI. Conclusions These results suggest there is a substantial improvement in confidence in WP students after the event, increasing the likelihood of inclusivity in medicine. This has wider implications in supporting applications into surgery in the future.