Short-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on vascular surgical training in Scotland: a trainee’s perspective

Abstract

Abstract Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruption to surgical training worldwide due to several factors, including the postponement of elective operating. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vascular surgery trainees in Scotland. Methods: A voluntary questionnaire was offered to all specialty trainees in vascular surgery in Scotland, comparing two one-year periods before (period A, 1 March 2012 to 28 February 2020) and during (period B, 1 March 2020 to 28 February 2021) the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire assessed multiple areas including demographics, annual review of competence and progression (ARCP) outcome, logbook completion and supervision level of eight index procedures. Results: All of the 11 eligible trainees completed the survey (100% response rate). No trainee had their ARCP outcome affected by the pandemic. Six (54.5%) had courses affected and seven (63.6%) were subject to rota changes. Of the eight index procedures, five procedures (62.5%) trended towards fewer procedures performed in period B (emergency open aneurysm repair (OAR), emergency endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), carotid endarterectomy (CEA), vascular access, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA)) and three (37.5%) trended towards more procedures performed in period B (elective OAR, elective EVAR, lower limb bypass), though these trends did not reach statistical significance. Four (50%) of the index procedures were performed more frequently as primary operator. Conclusions: The pandemic has forced changes in surgical training but vascular trainees in Scotland have had minimal negative impact. This needs to be maintained for the trainees to progress in their surgical training, achieve required experience and competencies, in turn providing optimal patient care.