Basic surgical skills training in United Kingdom foundation year doctors: can we do more?

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Foundation Year Training

Background:

• Medical training reforms necessitate earlier career decisions for junior doctors.
• The core surgical training (CST) application deadline may deter surgery aspirants due to limited practical experience.
• Foundation Year 1 (FY1) doctors often lack confidence in essential surgical skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot a Basic Surgical Skills (BSS) program for FY1 doctors.
• To assess the program's impact on confidence in surgical competencies.
• To evaluate changes in attitudes towards a surgical career.

Main Methods:

• A four-week BSS program was implemented for FY1 doctors at Whipps Cross University Hospital.
• The curriculum was based on the Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme (ISCP) competencies.
• Confidence and attitudes were assessed via questionnaires pre-course, post-course, and at 8-month follow-up, compared to a control group.

Main Results:

• Participants showed statistically significant increases in confidence in knot tying, suturing, FNA cytology, tru-cut biopsy, laceration repair, abscess drainage, skin closure, sharps handling, and instrument handling at 8 months.
• Course participants were more likely to receive additional BSS training.
• A significant increase in interest in a surgical career was observed among participants compared to controls.

Conclusions:

• Early, structured BSS programs enhance FY1 doctors' confidence in surgical skills.
• Such programs can positively influence career choices, increasing interest in surgery.
• This intervention addresses the need for early exposure to surgical practice.