The future of surgical training in the context of the ‘Shape of Training’ Review: Consensus recommendations by the Association of Surgeons in Training

Abstract

ASiT has long maintained that in order to provide the best quality care to patients in the UK and Republic of Ireland, it is critical that surgeons are trained to the highest standards. In addition, it is imperative that surgery remains an attractive career choice, with opportunities for career progression and job satisfaction to attract and retain the best candidates. In 2013, the Shape of Training review report set out recommendations for the structure and delivery of postgraduate training in light of an ever increasingly poly-morbid and ageing population. This consensus statement outlines ASIT's position regarding recommendations for improving surgical training and aims to help guide discussions with regard to future proposed changes to surgical training.

40-4-40: educational and economic outcomes of a free, international surgical training event

“…As an acute and craft-based specialty, surgery has been particularly challenged by a reduction in procedural learning time over the past 10 years 11 . In a 2015 survey, 86% of UK surgical trainees (n=1348) believed that it would be impossible to achieve competence as an independent practitioner in a shorter period of time than is currently required 12. Our findings invite similar efforts from associations globally to provide free-of-charge, 1-day, practical skills' simulation sessions to bolster procedural learning, particularly for early years trainees.…”

The ENT run through pilot: a questionnaire survey of 23 trainees

“…1,2 Core surgical training was seen as a contributing factor, defocusing and demotivating ENT trainees. 3 The ENT run through programme, introduced in 2018, aimed to improve early recruitment to the specialty by allowing trainees to begin specialist training at specialty training year 1. In addition, the run through pilot aimed to provide geographical training stability, competition-free transition to specialty training year 3, early engagement with ENT UK and refocused ENT training in the early years.…”

Into the uncanny valley: Simulation versus simulacrum?

“…There is a further reason beyond pedagogy for why simulation education may be useful. Because novice health care professionals no longer gain experience solely through many hours of on‐the‐job learning, rotas can be kept within legal limits for hours worked 3,4 . By investing in high‐tech ‘sim centres,’ institutions can offer modern, fast and efficient training that satisfies the current standardisation and accountability discourses.…”