POSE-UK: Paediatric orthopaedic surgery exposure in the UK

This study aims to investigate the early exposure of orthopaedic trainees to paediatric orthopaedics and explore their training experiences, focusing on the factors influencing their decision to either select or deselect paediatric orthopaedics as a subspecialty.

A national survey was distributed electronically to members of the British Orthopaedic Trainees' Association following a pilot survey sent to British Society of Children's Orthopaedic Surgery members. The survey concentrated on trainees' experiences and interest in paediatric orthopaedics. It included open, closed, and free-text questions, with the responses thematically analysed using NVivo software.

133 responses were received from trainees across the UK and Ireland. The findings showed significant variation in the timing of the first exposure to paediatric orthopaedics, with 25 % not encountering it until Specialty Trainee level 6 or later. Most participants had mixed placements involving both adult and paediatric orthopaedics. Limited theatre exposure and insufficient emphasis on paediatric orthopaedic surgery during training may contribute to a lack of interest. A worrying lack of confidence was noted amongst trainees in performing standard emergency paediatric orthopaedic procedures, which are expected competencies for newly appointed consultants, regardless of their intended subspecialty. Furthermore, many trainees indicated that they might not meet the required work-based assessments and indicative numbers necessary to complete training.

Earlier and more extensive exposure to paediatric orthopaedics during training could help foster greater interest in the subspecialty. Enhanced training in standard emergency paediatric orthopaedic presentations is essential to ensure trainees are confident in performing these procedures as newly appointed general orthopaedic consultants.