What Are the Perceptions of General Surgical Trainees of Vascular Surgical Teaching Received During Their Higher Specialty Training Years in the UK?

Abstract

To garner the perceptions of select general surgical trainees of vascular surgical teaching received during their higher specialty training years in the United Kingdom. An embedded mixed methods research approach, with a predominantly qualitative research framework, based on phenomenology was used to design a questionnaire and focus group consisting of a purposive criterion-based sample. All responses were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis by a single researcher. The study setting was the eastern sub-deanery of "Kent, Surrey and Sussex" with 9 district general hospitals and 1 tertiary hospital and 50 higher general surgical trainees. Inclusion criteria were all general surgical trainees in the deanery who had attended vascular surgical teaching and done their vascular rotation over the last 5 years. The exclusion criteria were all trainees currently taking time out of the training programme due to personal or educational reasons, or who were yet to commence their vascular surgical rotation. After piloting, 10 trainees completed the questionnaire, responses from which helped facilitate a focus group of 4 participants. The perceptions of general surgical trainees can be classified into 2 overarching themes, one where they view it as an asset to their training, and the other where they view certain aspects as ineffective. They valued the in-depth experience gained from their rotation to improve their overall skills above other teaching methods. However, effectiveness of this was altered based on trainer and trainee motivation, continuity of supervision, hands-on experience, and timing of other supplementary methods such as lectures and simulation training. Albeit a small sample size, this study sheds light on perceptions of general surgical trainees towards vascular surgical teaching, which may help the wider surgical community. A feeling of shared responsibility between trainers and trainees may be brought on as an effect of making it an optional module, ensuring trainees select it for its long-term benefits.