Improving Surgical Training.
1is the Royal College of Surgeons of England Council Lead and Health Education England Ambassador for Improving Surgical Training, UK. Conflicts of interest: none declared.
Surgery (Oxford, Oxfordshire)
|September 9, 2020
Summary
This study pilots an innovative surgical training program using evidence-based methods to enhance trainee experience and job satisfaction. The program integrates dedicated training time, multidisciplinary teamwork, and technology-enhanced learning, with ongoing evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- Healthcare Workforce Development
Background:
- The Shape of Training report highlighted the need for updated postgraduate medical education to meet modern National Health Service (NHS) demands.
- Current surgical training requires enhancement to improve trainee focus, support, and job satisfaction.
- The Improving Surgical Training programme was developed to address these identified needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To pilot an innovative, evidence-based approach to surgical training.
- To enhance the experience and job satisfaction of surgical trainees.
- To evaluate the effectiveness and challenges of implementing new training initiatives.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of initiatives including increased trainer-provided training time and allocated multidisciplinary team training.
- Integration of technology-enhanced learning (TEL) and simulation for technical and non-technical skills.
- Expansion of the pilot from general surgery to vascular surgery, urology, and trauma & orthopaedics.
- Ongoing evaluation by an independent company and oversight by the General Medical Council.
Main Results:
- Initial feedback from trainees, trainers, and surgical schools indicates implementation challenges.
- The programme has expanded its scope to multiple surgical specialities.
- The pilot demonstrates a commitment to structured and supported surgical education.
Conclusions:
- The innovative surgical training programme shows promise in addressing postgraduate training needs.
- Careful evaluation and oversight are crucial for the success of the programme.
- Further analysis is needed to fully understand the impact on surgical training outcomes and trainee satisfaction.
