Contemporary pediatric surgical training in the UK

Abstract

Introduction: Pediatric surgical trainees worldwide face pressures from expansion of programs and training positions, subspecialization, regionalization, restrictions of working hours, and rigid training criteria. The era of apprenticeship training has long gone, and surgical education needs to be responsive and adapt to newer challenges. The aim of this study was to examine the teaching provision component of pediatric surgical training in the UK.

Method: A national teaching survey was sent to UK pediatric surgery trainees in 2010 and compared to results of a repeat survey in 2015. Analysis was carried out to compare type of teaching, trends in teaching delivery, quality, and attendance over time.

Results: Regional variability was noted in teaching programs. Both provision of educational activities and ability to attend teaching improved between 2010 and 2015. Despite this, overall trainee satisfaction remained low, with 50% and 52% of respondents describing their teaching as "good" or "excellent" in 2010 and 2015, respectively (P=0.84). Seventy-five percent of centers provided simulation training, and 25% of respondents had regional teaching provided. Survey response rate was comparable between 2010 and 2015.

Conclusion: Variability in national educational provision was observed. We suggest regular national audit of educational activity and responsive adaption to external pressures on training if competent surgeons are to be the product of contemporary pediatric surgery training programs.

Keywords: Education; European working time directive; Pediatrics; Surgical training; Teaching.