EP-468 Impact of COVID19 on surgical training

Abstract

AimsTo explore how the COVID19 pandemic has impacted surgical trainingTo establish how this might impact trainees moving forwardsTo establish ways to mitigate these effects, aside from increased theatre timeMethodsAn online survey consisting of 10 questions was sent to general surgical trainees, at different stages of training.ResultsAll respondents felt that training has been adversely affected by COVID19. Aside from reduced operating, 96% of respondents felt that training has been adversely affected in other ways including more ward cover, less exposure to clinic and elective work and less availability of teaching. All trainees reported that teaching had moved online; 56% felt that this was less effective. Half of respondents felt that they are likely to require more time in training as a result of the pandemic. When asked what can be done moving forwards to help catch up, responses included increasing access to wet labs and waiting list initiatives. Pre pandemic, 48% of respondents felt that was a lack of cadaver teaching and 20% reported issues accessing mandatory courses.ConclusionSurgical training has been adversely affected by COVID19, not only due to less elective operating but also lack of teaching, courses, simulation and increased stress. With half of respondents feeling that they will need additional time, finding ways to address lost training opportunities is of paramount importance to surgical trainees and should be done not only in theatre, but also through wet labs, simulation and teaching.