Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on core surgical training

Khan, K. S. , Keay, R., McLellan, M. and Mahmud, S. (2020) Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on core surgical training. Scottish Medical Journal, 65(4), pp. 133-137. (doi: 10.1177/0036933020949217) (PMID:32772846) (PMCID:PMC7424606)

Abstract

Background and aims: COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruption in training which is even more pronounced in the surgical specialties. We aim to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on core surgical training. Methods: All core surgical and improving surgical trainees in West of Scotland region were invited to participate in an online voluntary anonymous survey via SurveyMonkey. Results: 28 of 44 (63.6%) trainees responded, 15 (53.6%) were CT1/ST1. 14 (50.0%) working in teaching hospital and 15 (53.6%) working in general surgery. 20 (71.4%) felt that due to the pandemic they have less opportunity to operate as the primary surgeon. 21 (75.0%) have not attended any outpatient clinics. 8 (28.6%) did not have any form of access to the laparoscopic box-trainer. 20 (71.4%) felt their level of confidence in preforming surgical skills has been negatively impacted. 18 (64.3%) found it difficult to demonstrate progress in portfolio. 21 (75.0%) trainees have not attended any teaching. 10 (35.7%) trainees have been off-sick. 8 (28.6%) trainees have felt slightly or significantly more stressed. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic has an unprecedented negative impact on all aspects of core surgical training. The long term impact on the current cohort of trainees is yet to be seen.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Khan, Mr Khurram
• Authors: Khan, K. S., Keay, R., McLellan, M., and Mahmud, S.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Scottish Medical Journal
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• ISSN: 0036-9330
• ISSN (Online): 2045-6441
• Published Online: 09 August 2020
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 The Author(s)
• First Published: First published in Scottish Medical Journal 65(4):133-137
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons license