Analysis of patient follow-up as part of the surgical education

Abstract

In an era of reduced training hours for registrars, outpatient follow-up becomes an important tool in acquiring confidence in the management of various conditions. We audited the follow-up pattern for the metacarpal fractures operated by registrars only, in a tertiary referral centre, over a period of 18 months. Of 71 operated patients, 38% were seen at some point during their postoperative evolution by the surgeon who performed the procedure. Of the 12 patients who developed postoperative complication, the registrar involved saw 16.67%. A good learning opportunity was lost, especially in the hand surgery subspecialty, where the final outcome is crucially influenced by a close and proactive postoperative follow-up. The situation can be improved with minimal administrative effort, benefiting both the patient population and the trainees' body.