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Sheng Z, Laloo R, Lewis S, Giwa L, Burke J, Brennan PA, Ellis R. The hidden costs of the intercollegiate membership of the Royal College of surgeons examinations: Can trainees afford it? Surgeon 2024; 22:138-142. [PMID: 38368193 DOI: 10.1016/j.surge.2024.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Intercollegiate Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) examination is a mandatory requirement for higher specialty surgical training in the UK. However, there is a significant economic impact on trainees which raises the question of whether the costs of this exam hinder surgical career progression. This study explores the burden of these exams on trainees. METHODS A 37-point questionnaire was distributed to all trainees who were preparing for or have sat MRCS examinations. Univariate analyses included the cost of the preparatory resources, extra hours worked to pay for these and the examinations, and the number of annual leave (AL) days taken to prepare. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to identify possible correlation between monetary expenditure and success rate. RESULTS On average, trainees (n = 145) spent £332.54, worked 31.2 h in addition to their rostered hours, and used 5.8 AL days to prepare for MRCS Part A. For MRCS Part B/ENT, trainees spent on average £682.92, worked 41.7 extra hours, and used 5 AL days. Overall, the average trainee spent 5-9% of their salary and one-fifth of their AL allowance to prepare for the exams. There was a positive correlation between number of attempts and monetary expenditure on Part A preparation (r(109)=0.536, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS There is a considerable financial and social toll of the MRCS examination on trainees. Reducing this is crucial to tackle workforce challenges that include trainee retention and burnout. Further studies exploring study habits can help reform study budget policies to ease this pressure on trainees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyan Sheng
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, United Kingdom.
| | - Ryan Laloo
- Association of Surgeons in Training (ASiT), Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, WC2A 3PE, United Kingdom.
| | - Sophie Lewis
- Association of Surgeons in Training (ASiT), Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, WC2A 3PE, United Kingdom.
| | - Lola Giwa
- Association of Surgeons in Training (ASiT), Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, WC2A 3PE, United Kingdom.
| | - Josh Burke
- Association of Surgeons in Training (ASiT), Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, WC2A 3PE, United Kingdom.
| | - Peter A Brennan
- Department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, PO6 3LY, United Kingdom.
| | - Ricky Ellis
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom.
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Shirazian AA, Cheema J, Turner J, Piper K, Fan K. Working whilst studying: a survey of medically qualified dental students. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2023; 61:240-244. [PMID: 36967331 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2022.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Medically-qualified junior trainees who are interested in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) are faced with the challenging decision to undertake the minimum three years required to obtain a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) with its associated expenses and loss of income from full-time employment, or to follow a different career path. Trainees have reported duration of training and financial factors, such as cost of attaining additional qualifications and loss of income, as common reasons for loss of interest in OMFS. This survey of students enrolled on King's College London's three-year BDS dentistry entry programme for medical graduates (DPMG)shows that most studentsundertake paid part-time work in various settings and specialties alongside their studies. The average number of hours worked by students whilst studying is reported to be 27.0/week. Students report a wide range of incomes from various sources including secondary-care shifts in the NHS and private sector, as well as non-secondary-care activities such as non-surgical facial aesthetics. Direct correlation is noted between the number of hours worked and earnings, with comparable potential income in OMFS and non-OMFS specialties. Participants working in OMFS report greater educational and training value compared with non-OMFS work.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kim Piper
- King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Kathy Fan
- King's College London, United Kingdom
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Songra L, Salahuddin Z, Pandey G, Chew B, Magill H. The Effect of Sociodemographic Factors on Obtaining a Place in Core Surgical Training. Cureus 2022; 14:e31271. [PMID: 36505122 PMCID: PMC9731932 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.31271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Competition for Core Surgical Training (CST) is rising, placing a strong emphasis on interview performance. Several interview courses offer to help candidates secure their chosen surgical job but at premium fees. A group of London-based CSTs started a free course offering high-quality mock interview experiences to over 90 applicants in 2022, with the aim of providing an accessible opportunity for financially disadvantaged candidates. Course candidates completed three sets of questionnaires, pre- and post-mock interview, and a final one upon job allocation. Candidates' educational background and schooling history were obtained as well as their self-assessment score, eventual rank after interview and the rank of the job they had accepted. The three sets of questionnaires were completed by 87, 73 and 45 candidates respectively. Overall, there was a statistically significant difference in self-reported confidence scores after the course (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the self-assessment score of the 44.2% of candidates who had attended private education in the UK, compared to publicly educated (P = 0.0525), nor was there a difference in their rank after interviews (P = 0.236). Candidates who spent £50 or more had higher self-assessment scores (P = 0.042) but they didn't rank higher in overall scores (P = 0.591). Interview preparation courses are helpful in increasing candidates' confidence, however spending more money does not translate into a better overall interview performance. Our study suggests that candidates from private education backgrounds do not have an advantage in the CST application process.
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Rehman U, Freer FAJ, Sarwar MS, Dubb SS, Brennan PA. Non-surgical facial aesthetics: Should this be incorporated into medical education? ADVANCES IN ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.adoms.2022.100327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Khalil K, Sooriyamoorthy T, Ellis R. Retention of surgical trainees in England. Surgeon 2022:S1479-666X(22)00111-1. [PMID: 36163150 DOI: 10.1016/j.surge.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgical training is a competitive process attracting highly motivated clinicians. The National Health Service is currently facing long waiting lists and a workforce crisis yet there is a paucity of data regarding attrition of surgical trainees in England. This study aims to describe the attrition of surgical trainees from 2016 to 2021 and explore the relationship between specialty competition ratios and attrition rates. METHODS Data was obtained from Health Education England by freedom of information requests. Binary logistic regression analyses explored differences in attrition between surgical specialties. Spearman's correlation was used to assess the relationship between competition ratios and attrition rates. RESULTS From 2016 to 2021, 481 surgical trainees have left surgical training, with an average yearly attrition rate of 2.68%. This number varied considerably across specialties with Paediatric Surgery having the highest rate at 4.20% and Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery (T&O) the lowest at 1.52%. Compared to General Surgery, trainees in Neurosurgery, T&O and Plastic Surgery were significantly less likely to leave their respective programmes (OR 95% CI 0.53 (0.33-0.85) p = 0.009, 0.44 (0.34-0.58) p < 0.001, 0.51 (0.33-0.78) p = 0.002, respectively). Attrition rates were inversely related to competition ratios, with more competitive specialties experiencing less attrition (ρ = - 0.302 (p = 0.078)). CONCLUSION These data highlight the increasing attrition of surgical trainees over recent years, with some specialties experiencing greater rates of attrition than others. Qualitative research and exit interviews are needed to ascertain the causal factors behind the attrition of surgical trainees to improve training and retention of this highly skilled workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ricky Ellis
- Department of Urology, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, UK
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6
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Vinnicombe Z, Little M, Super J, Anakwe R. Differential attainment, socioeconomic factors and surgical training. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2022; 104:577-582. [PMID: 35950509 PMCID: PMC9433186 DOI: 10.1308/rcsann.2021.0255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Differential attainment (DA) is the gap in levels of achievement between different groups; socioeconomic factors are thought to play a significant role in DA. The aim of this study was to review and assess the evidence for DA in early surgical training and to examine the potential influence of socioeconomic status. METHODS Data were obtained from the General Medical Council GMC for those taking Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) examinations between 2016 and 2019 and core surgical training annual review of competency progression (ARCP) outcomes between 2017 and 2019. The index of multiple deprivation (IMD) was used as a measure of socioeconomic background. Trainees were then divided into deprivation quintiles (DQ1=most deprived, DQ5=least deprived). MRCS and ARCP outcomes were compared between DQ groups using 95% confidence intervals and chi-square tests. RESULTS Those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds had significantly lower overall MRCS pass rates (DQ1=45.5%, DQ2=48.9% vs DQ4=59.6%, DQ5=61.5%, p<0.05) and 1st time pass rates (DQ1&2=46.6% vs DQ4&5=63.5%, p<0.001). Additionally, they had a significantly higher number of attempts required to pass MRCS (DQ 1&2=1.86 vs DQ 4&5=1.54, p<0.01). Those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds had a significantly greater proportion of unsatisfactory ARCP outcomes (DQ1&2=24.4% vs DQ 4&5=14.2%, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS There is clear evidence of the influence of socioeconomic background on DA in early surgical training. However, the reasons for this are likely complex and more work is required to investigate this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - J Super
- Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, UK
| | - R Anakwe
- Imperial College NHS Foundation Trust, UK
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Moudgil-Joshi J, Kaliaperumal C. Letter to the Editor: “Can I Afford to Become a Neurosurgeon in the United Kingdom in the Current Atmosphere?”. World Neurosurg 2022; 164:454-455. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.05.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Lovelock T, Lovelock M. The high price of becoming a surgeon: time to examine the costs of pre-surgical education and training. ANZ J Surg 2021; 91:1969-1972. [PMID: 34665498 DOI: 10.1111/ans.17111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lovelock
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.,Department of Surgery, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Mark Lovelock
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Box Hill Hospital, Box Hill, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Vascular Surgery, Western Hospital, Footscray, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Vascular Surgery, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
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The University of Pennsylvania Flap Course Enters Virtual Reality: The Global Impact. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2021; 9:e3495. [PMID: 33758731 PMCID: PMC7972867 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000003495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate participants from the in-person Penn Flap Course (PFC) and virtual PFC to determine if the virtual PFC increased diversity in culture, sex, education, and surgical specialties internationally and within the United States. Our hypothesis is that the virtual PFC increases diversity internationally and within the United States. Methods A retrospective descriptive comparison was performed between participants from the in-person PFC from the years 2017 to 2019 and virtual PFC in 2020. Frequency maps were generated to determine differences in participation of cultures, sexes, education, and specialties internationally and within the United States. Net Promoter Scores (NPSs) were used to assess participant satisfaction with the virtual course. Results The in-person PFC included 124 participants from the years 2017 to 2019, whereas the virtual PFC included 770 participants in the year 2020. Compared to the in-person course, the virtual course included more cultures (countries: 60 versus 11; states: 35 versus 22), women (countries: 38 versus 7; states: 23 versus 9), students/researchers (countries: 24 versus 0; states: 9 versus 0), residents (countries: 44 versus 5; states: 26 versus 15), fellows (countries: 21 versus 2; states: 21 versus 9), attendings (countries: 34 versus 8; states: 16 versus 11), plastic surgery (countries: 54 versus 9; states: 31 versus 18), orthopedic surgery (countries: 12 versus 5; states: 11 versus 9), and other specialties (countries: 19 versus 1; states: 8 versus 2). Our overall NPS for the virtual PFC totaled 75%, categorized as "world class" based on global NPS. Conclusion A virtual interface for a flap course increased participation and diversity of culture, sex, education, and specialties internationally and within the United States with "world class" participant satisfaction.
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Vinnicombe Z, Little M, Super J, Anakwe R. Surgical training in the UK: is cost a barrier to entry? Postgrad Med J 2021; 98:281-284. [PMID: 33414177 DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2020-139170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is good quality evidence linking socioeconomic background and the likelihood of a surgical career. Additionally, training in surgery is more expensive than in other specialties. Our aim was to assess the awareness and perceptions of trainees and medical students of the relative costs of surgical training and to determine whether perceptions of cost deter potential surgical trainees. METHODS Medical students, foundation doctors and core trainees in England were surveyed over a 2-week period. χ2 tests of independence were used to assess statistically significant associations between measured variables MAIN FINDINGS: A total of 284 responses were received. More than half of respondents (54%) were not previously aware of the high costs of surgical training. More than a quarter of respondents (27%) did not take out a student loan. There was a significant association (p=0.003) between familial income and being less likely to consider a surgical career due to the costs. Respondents who reported receipt of a student loan were also significantly less likely to consider a surgical career due to the costs (p=0.033). CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates an important relationship between perceived costs of surgical training and future career aspirations. This suggests that access to surgical training may still be difficult for many. This study also highlights a general lack of awareness of high surgical training costs. It is important that surgical training is accessible. Financial status should not be a significant disincentive and widening access to surgical training can only serve to enrich and advance the specialty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zak Vinnicombe
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, St George's Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Max Little
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Whittington Hospital, London, UK
| | - Jonathan Super
- Department of Gastroenterology, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, Maidstone, Kent, UK
| | - Raymond Anakwe
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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Fonseka T, Ellis R, Salem H, Brennan PA, Terry T. The effects of COVID-19 on training within urology: Lessons learned in virtual learning, human factors, non-technical skills and reflective practice. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL UROLOGY 2021; 14:29-35. [PMID: 38603044 PMCID: PMC7435206 DOI: 10.1177/2051415820950109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed training and recruitment in urology in unprecedented ways. As efforts are made to ensure trainees can continue to progress, lessons can be learned to improve training and urological practice even after the acute phase of the pandemic is over. Novel methods of education through virtual learning have burgeoned amidst the social distancing the pandemic has brought. The importance of training in human factors and non-technical skills has also been brought to the fore while operating under the constraints of personal protective equipment and working in new teams and unfamiliar environments. This paper critically appraises the available evidence of how urological training has been affected by COVID-19 and the lessons we have learned and continue to learn going forward. Level of Evidence Not Applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Fonseka
- Urology Department, Royal Derby
Hospital, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton, UK
| | - R Ellis
- Urology Department, Royal Derby
Hospital, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton, UK
| | - H Salem
- Urology Department, Royal Derby
Hospital, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton, UK
| | - PA Brennan
- Maxillofacial Unit, Queen Alexandra
Hospital, UK
| | - T Terry
- Urology Department, Nottingham
University Hospitals, UK
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13
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A survey on the cost of oral surgery dental speciality training. Br Dent J 2020; 228:533-536. [PMID: 32277212 DOI: 10.1038/s41415-020-1372-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Background Following graduation, training costs for an individual trainee to achieve completion of specialist surgical training has been estimated to be between £20,000 to £71,431, and is expected to rise. Furthermore, there are other non-monetary costs to consider, including poor work-life balance and the burden of training on home life.Methods A 22-question online survey using SurveyGizmo was developed and emailed to all current UK and Ireland oral surgery trainees from 2016-2019. The survey consisted of open free text, binomial and variable scale responses related to the cost of training.Results A total of 43 (96%) oral surgery trainees responded to the survey. Sixty-eight percent had enrolled on a postgraduate degree, or other higher qualification, during their training. Of these, only 4.5% were fully funded and nearly half received no funding at all. Trainees reported vast disparities in financial support across deaneries, with an overall average study budget of £687. Annual obligatory costs of up to £4,142 and a mean average spend of £9,240 on courses and £2,830 on conferences were reported. Childcare, relocating and textbooks were listed as additional costs incurred.Conclusion A standardised, transparent and more substantial financial support system is required for dental specialty trainees.
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Kumwenda B, Cleland J, Prescott G, Walker K, Johnston P. Relationship between sociodemographic factors and specialty destination of UK trainee doctors: a national cohort study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e026961. [PMID: 30918038 PMCID: PMC6475150 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Many countries are driving forward policies to widen the socioeconomic profile of medical students and to train more medical students for certain specialties. However, little is known about how socioeconomic origin relates to specialty choice. Nor is there a good understanding of the relationship between academic performance and specialty choice. To address these gaps, our aim was to identify the relationship between socioeconomic background, academic performance and accepted offers into specialty training. DESIGN Longitudinal, cohort study using data from the UK Medical Education Database (https://www.ukmed.ac.uk/). PARTICIPANTS 6065 (60% females) UK doctors who accepted offers to a specialty training (residency) post after completing the 2-year generic foundation programme (UK Foundation Programme) between 2012 and 2014. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Χ2 tests were used to examine the relationships between sociodemographic characteristics, academic ability and the dependent variable, specialty choice. Multiple data imputation was used to address the issue of missing data. Multinomial regression was employed to test the independent variables in predicting the likelihood of choosing a given specialty. RESULTS Participants pursuing careers in more competitive specialties had significantly higher academic scores than colleagues pursuing less competitive ones. After controlling for the presence of multiple factors, trainees who came from families where no parent was educated to a degree level had statistically significant lower odds of choosing careers in medical specialties relative to general practice (OR=0.78, 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.92). Students who entered medical school as school leavers, compared with mature students, had odds 1.2 times higher (95% CI, 1.04 to 1.56) of choosing surgical specialties than general practice. CONCLUSIONS The data indicate a direct association between trainees' sociodemographic characteristics, academic ability and career choices. The findings can be used by medical school, training boards and workforce planners to inform recruitment and retention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Kumwenda
- Centre for Healthcare Education Research and Innovation (CHERI), School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Jennifer Cleland
- Centre for Healthcare Education Research and Innovation (CHERI), School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Gordon Prescott
- Medical Statistics Team, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Kim Walker
- Institute of Education for Medical and Dental Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, UK, Centre for Healthcare Education Research and Innovation (CHERI), Aberdeen, UK
| | - Peter Johnston
- NHS, NHS Grampian and The Scotland Deanery, Aberdeen, UK
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Glasbey J, Sinclair P, Mohan H, Harries R. 40-4-40: educational and economic outcomes of a free, international surgical training event. Postgrad Med J 2017; 93:730-735. [PMID: 28701324 DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2017-134874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF STUDY To demonstrate a model for delivery of an international surgical training event, and demonstrate its educational and economic outcomes. STUDY DESIGN The Association of Surgeons in Training (ASiT) ran a course series on 16 January 2016 across the UK and Ireland. A mandatory, self-reported, online questionnaire collected delegate feedback, using 5-point Likert Scales, and a NetPromoter feedback tool. Precourse and postcourse matched questionnaires were collected for 'Foundation Skills in Surgery' (FSS) courses. Paired economic analysis was performed. Statistical analysis was carried out using RStudio (V.3.1.1 Boston, Massachusetts, USA). RESULTS Forty courses were held across the UK and Ireland (65.0% technical, 35.0% non-technical), with 184 faculty members. Of 570 delegates, 529 fully completed the feedback survey (92.8% response rate); 56.5% were male. The median age was 26 years (range: 18-67 years). The mean overall course NetPromoter Score was 8.7 out of 10. On logistic regression high NetPromoter Score was associated with completing a Foundation Skills in Surgery course (R=0.44, OR: 1.49, p=0.025) and having clear learning outcomes (R=0.72, OR: 2.04, p=0.029) but not associated with specialty, course style or teaching style. For Foundation Skills in Surgery courses, delegates reported increased commitment to a career in surgery (p<0.001), confidence with basic surgical skills (p<0.001) and confidence with assisting in theatre (p<0.001). A comparable cost saving of £231,462.37 was calculated across the 40 courses. CONCLUSION The ASiT '40-4-40' event demonstrated the diversity and depth of surgical training, with 40 synchronous technical and non-technical courses, demonstrable educational benefit and a significant cost saving to surgical trainees.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Glasbey
- Association of Surgeons in Training, Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, UK
| | - Piriyah Sinclair
- Association of Surgeons in Training, Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, UK
| | - Helen Mohan
- Association of Surgeons in Training, Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, UK
| | - Rhiannon Harries
- Association of Surgeons in Training, Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, UK
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Varley I, Kumar A. Cost of training in oral and maxillofacial surgery: beyond the second degree. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2016; 54:956-958. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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