Abstract
Background and aimsCOVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruption in training which is even more pronounced in the surgical specialties. We aim to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on core surgical training.MethodsAll core surgical and improving surgical trainees in West of Scotland region were invited to participate in an online voluntary anonymous survey via SurveyMonkey.Results28 of 44 (63.6%) trainees responded, 15 (53.6%) were CT1/ST1. 14 (50.0%) working in teaching hospital and 15 (53.6%) working in general surgery. 20 (71.4%) felt that due to the pandemic they have less opportunity to operate as the primary surgeon. 21 (75.0%) have not attended any outpatient clinics. 8 (28.6%) did not have any form of access to the laparoscopic box-trainer. 20 (71.4%) felt their level of confidence in preforming surgical skills has been negatively impacted. 18 (64.3%) found it difficult to demonstrate progress in portfolio. 21 (75.0%) trainees have not attended any teaching. 10 (35.7%) trainees have been off-sick. 8 (28.6%) trainees have felt slightly or significantly more stressed.ConclusionCOVID-19 pandemic has an unprecedented negative impact on all aspects of core surgical training. The long term impact on the current cohort of trainees is yet to be seen.
Highlights
Surgical training in the United Kingdom consists of entry into one of two training programmes – Core Surgical Training (CST) or Improving Surgical Training (IST)
The aims of this study were firstly to assess the impact of the pandemic on core surgical training, including operative and endoscopic skills, and secondly, to determine the wellbeing of CST and IST
All Core Surgical Training (CT1 and CT2) and Improving Surgical Training (ST1 & ST2) in the West of Scotland region were invited to participate in an online voluntary anonymous survey
Summary
Surgical training in the United Kingdom consists of entry into one of two training programmes – Core Surgical Training (CST) or Improving Surgical Training (IST). There have always been barriers to providing high quality surgical training programmes in the United Kingdom These include the use of trainees for provision of service, reduction in study budgets and stricter rules regarding working hours, as a result of the European Working Time Directive.[5] The latest barrier to providing adequate surgical training is the Covid-19 pandemic. We aim to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on core surgical training. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic has an unprecedented negative impact on all aspects of core surgical training. The long term impact on the current cohort of trainees is yet to be seen
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