SE05 THE PRIVATE HEALTH SECTOR: A POTENTIAL SURGICAL TRAINING GROUND? – A STUDY OF THE PERCEPTIONS OF PATIENTS

Abstract

Purpose The need for more accredited advanced surgical training positions has been identified by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of a sample of patients on surgical education and training in a private hospital setting.Methodology This is a prospective study where patients undergoing elective surgery in a private hospital were recruited over a 6‐week period. A Likert Scale questionnaire was used to assess patient perception on choice of private healthcare, the role of the surgical resident in a private hospital and surgical training within a private hospital environment.Results Sixty‐eight patients were recruited. Choice of surgeon was the most important reason for having private health insurance (59%). Almost all (97%) patients supported surgical training within a private hospital. There was support for a surgical trainee to liaise with the consultant surgeon about their care (95%), to perform minor procedures on the ward (91%) and assist the consultant at surgery (86%). Patients supported options for the trainee to perform part (73.4%), the majority (50.0%) and the entire operation (40.6%) under supervision of the consultant surgeon.Conclusion A representative group of patients surveyed supported surgical training within a private hospital environment. The increasing demand for surgical training within the public environment necessitates the consideration of additional training resources such as the private healthcare system. It appears that the private health sector could be explored as a potential avenue for provision of surgical education and training.