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Factors affecting the confidence of surgical trainees: a systematic review and thematic analysis
Clare Perkins1, Matthew Steward2, Matthew G P Allen3
1Department of Otolaryngology, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, Torquay, UK.
Objectives:
Confidence among surgeons is required for complex decision-making and surgical ability. However, surgical trainees' confidence is decreasing. This systematic review aims to explore factors that affect the confidence of surgical trainees.
Methods:
A systematic review was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. Pubmed®, Embase™, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov and grey literature were searched for primary research on factors affecting surgical trainee confidence.
Results:
Eleven studies were included. Key factors positively impacting trainee confidence were receiving regular positive feedback, working with a supportive trainer and having a calm working environment and effective team dynamic. The main factors negatively impacting trainee confidence were experiencing undermining behaviour from trainers and stressful, time-pressured environments. Female gender was also associated with reduced confidence. Greater confidence was associated with higher perceived performance.
Conclusion:
This work assimilates the factors impacting surgical trainees' confidence, which could guide training programmes to improve trainee self-confidence and therefore patient care.
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