WP6.16 - A comparison of post-rotation confidence levels over a year of surgical foundation year one doctors in a busy district general hospital

Abstract

Abstract Aims Assess the confidence levels of foundation year one (FY1) doctors in managing surgical patients post-rotation. Identify areas where further support could be given to improve confidence levels. Methods August 2022, December 2022 and April 2023 cohorts were surveyed following the end of their four-month rotation. Ten questions used Likert scales (1 to 5: not at all confident to very confident) to assess general surgical patient management. One question focused on education methods and one was an open question. Data was initially inputted using Google Docs and analysed in Microsoft Excel. Results 100% (10/10) August 2022 cohort, 38% (3/8) December 2022 and 80% (8/10) April 2023 cohort completed the survey. Modal post-rotation confidence levels were mostly four and five across all cohorts. August 2022 and December 2022 cohorts had a modal value of three for confidence in speaking with a patient’s family when a patient was dying. August 2022 cohort had a modal value of three for confidence in speaking to a patient when their condition was unknown. Common concerns of FY1 doctors were managing a deteriorating patient and being unable to contact a senior. Most FY1 doctors felt that case-based discussion would be the preferred method to increase understanding of general surgery. Conclusions Confidence levels were high post-rotation and increased throughout the year. This could suggest that FY1 doctors are receiving a good understanding of general surgery by the end of their rotation. Further work needs to be done to target improvement in areas of lower confidence.