Is there still a role for the adult general surgeon in general paediatric surgery within a District General Hospital setting? National questionnaire amongst adult general surgical trainees

Abstract

IntroductionIn recent years there has been a trend towards centralisation of services for general paediatric surgery in the United Kingdom. Fewer District General Hospitals supply provision of paediatric surgery, placing a strain on Specialist Centres. The cause behind the decline is unclear but lack of interest from general surgical trainees may be a contributing factor. A survey was conducted across current higher surgical trainees to review this. Materials and methodsA short online survey (Typeform) was sent nationally to higher general surgical trainees. The results were analysed using SPSS Version 21. Results121 trainees responded to the survey. Only 29% trainees expressed an interest in pursuing general paediatric surgery as part of their future chosen specialty. The main concerns of trainees in regards to paediatric surgery was a limited training time, perception that a paediatric consultant would be unwilling to train a general surgical trainee, and a concern that ISCP requirements were unattainable in six months. There was no significant difference in opinion between those who had/not completed a paediatric surgical placement. ConclusionThere is a growing disinterest of general surgical trainees to pursue paediatric surgery within their future chosen specialty. This is resulting in fewer consultants being qualified to provide the service within a District General Hospital. Trainees often have negative preconceived ideas about the specialty, which may be modified by a positive experience within the specialty.