UK foundation trainee perceptions of surgical skills in the foundation training programme – a national survey

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Background: Surgical skills development among UK foundation trainees within the UK training programme may be underdeveloped. This study aimed to ascertain foundation trainee perceptions of surgical skills within the foundation training programme. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was distributed to all 18 UK foundation training schools in 2021. This survey assessed foundation trainees’ surgical skills experience in medical school, current career intentions, confidence at basic surgical skills and perceptions of the level of surgical skills training within the foundation programme. Findings: Trainees felt that they did not have adequate exposure to surgical skills (4.5, Likert scale 1–10) and specialty specific skills within the foundation training programme (3.3, Likert scale 1–10). On average, 75% of participants believed further exposure to surgical skills training would be beneficial to their professional development. Furthermore, 67% believed that surgical skills should be incorporated into the core competencies for the foundation training programme. Conclusion: Our study shows that foundation trainees in UK feel that there is a lack of adequate exposure to surgical skills within the foundation programme. Foundation trainees feel change is required to help improve competency in basic surgical skills and as an extension increase interest in a surgical career.