Plastic surgery training in the UK: Results from a national survey of trainee experiences

Abstract

Background Plastic surgery training in the UK continues to evolve towards an outcome-based rather than time-served curriculum. UK plastic surgery trainees are appointed nationally, and are assessed according to national standards, but training is delivered regionally. This study sought opinion from current UK plastic surgery trainees in order to highlight strengths and shortcomings of the higher surgical training programme. Method A cross-sectional study was designed and administered by the UK Plastic Surgery Trainees Association (PLASTA). A questionnaire was distributed to all UK plastic surgery trainees holding a National Training Number, using the REDCap web-based application. Results Of the 320 UK plastic surgery trainees, 131 (41%) participated in this survey, with responses from all 12 UK training regions. The most common subspecialty career aspirations for trainees were hand surgery, cleft lip and palate, lower limb and oncoplastic breast reconstruction. The survey highlighted regional variation in teaching programmes, the ability to achieve indicative operative logbook numbers, and training in aesthetic surgery. Of the trainees, 82% expressed a desire to undertake a fellowship within their training, but most did not know whether their deanery would support this. Fifteen per cent of the respondents were currently training flexibly and the majority of these had experienced negative behaviours towards their less than full time working status. Of the respondents, 44% reported stress, 25% reported a lack of autonomy and 17% reported feeling burnt out at work at least once a week. A total of 85% perceived that they did not have access to a mentoring service. Conclusions Plastic surgery remains a popular and highly competitive surgical speciality in the UK, and many trainees reported high levels of satisfaction during their training. Aspects of training that could be improved have been highlighted and recommendations made accordingly.

The effect of COVID-19 on higher plastic surgery training in the UK: A national survey of impact and damage limitation

“…We must ensure we invest in the training of future plastic surgeons. Building on the findings of the UK Plastic Surgery Trainees Association (PLASTA) national plastic survey ( 4 ), workforce planning is critical as key sub-specialities in the post COVID-19 recovery period become increasingly evident.…”

Trainee and trainer experiences and recommendations for plastic surgery training: A qualitative pilot study

“…There was limited awareness of formal cognitive training in skill acquisition, technical performance and stress resilience, recognised tools in other high-performance fields, such as elite sport, music and aviation, 11 , 12 with an unmet need in plastic surgery, who experience regular feelings of burnout. 4 …”

“…Success in surgical training is a complex interplay of individual characteristics and relationships within a social and cultural context, navigating directives and resource constraints. There is limited literature relating to training in plastic surgery in the UK, and the majority of studies that do exist are quantitative surveys 4 or relate to specific practical aspects of being a surgeon, such as microsurgical training. 5 To the best of our knowledge, there have been no studies performed to determine the perceptions of both trainers and trainees of plastic surgical training in the UK.…”

Letter to the editor regarding: Plastic surgery training in the UK: Results from a national survey of trainee experiences

“…We reviewed with great interest the article reviewing plastic surgical training in the UK: results from a national survey of trainee experiences. 1 In particular we would like to consider the authors point with regards to aesthetic surgery. It is well known that aesthetic services are becoming increasingly more accessible due to the increasing number of health practitioners providing them.…”