913 Near-Peer Teaching for Surgical Foundation Year Doctors During COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Literature has shown near-peer teaching to be an effective method of improving learning. There is little data on surgical teaching initiatives of this kind. Nationally and locally, teaching sessions and courses have been cancelled due to the pandemic. A new surgical lunch-time virtual course was created to fill this gap. Method FY1 doctors from University Hospital Wales were invited to participate in a survey exploring the need and topics for surgical teaching. Results were used to create a surgical teaching course. Near-peer, core surgical trainees were recruited to teach. A post-course questionnaire was distributed to FY1 doctors who attended the teaching to assess the success of the course. Results 15 FY1 doctors completed the initial questionnaire. 33% (5) were currently on a surgical placement. 60% (9) had an upcoming surgical placement. 73% (11) felt they did not have sufficient teaching on surgical specialties during medical school. 93% (14) felt they did not have sufficient teaching on how to manage surgical patients as a FY1. 100% (15) responded they would be interested in surgical teaching delivered by core surgical trainees. Eight topics were suggested, and lunchtime sessions were created. Post-course feedback was completed by 12 FY1 doctors. 88% (10) of respondents found the course ‘extremely useful’ and relevant to their surgical jobs. Conclusions There is a demand for surgical teaching for FY1s. Near-peer education designed by FY1s and delivered by CSTs is an effective way for teaching relevant surgical knowledge. Lunch-time virtual teaching is a good way to continue teaching sessions through the pandemic.