973 Plastering Skills and Experience Among Junior Orthopaedic Doctors

Abstract

Abstract Aim The conservative management of fractures with the use of plasters is an essential skill and still forms the bulk of the orthopaedic surgeon’s workload. There is currently concern that junior orthopaedic doctors are receiving limited training in plastering and effectively becoming deskilled. The aim of this study is to provide an insight of the skills and experience of junior orthopaedic doctors in our trust. Method An electronic study was conducted in our trust in December 2022. Results Only 10% of the respondents had a plaster room induction, and only 40% had attended a plastering course. Half of the respondents had no official plastering training. The majority of junior orthopaedic doctors (80%) stated that during their on call most plasters were applied by A&E nurses and doctors. Only one third of junior T&O doctors were very confident applying a simple Colles’ plaster or a below knee backslab, while one third was not competent at all. All respondents agreed that plastering is a useful and essential skill to acquire for doctors working in T&O or considering a career in orthopaedics. Conclusions Application of a correct plaster cast is an essential part of orthopaedic management. It is worrying that junior doctors working in orthopaedics have little to no experience in plaster application and training is limited. All doctors agreed that plastering was a useful skill and should be taught as part of orthopaedic training.