930 Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Higher General Surgical Training – A West of Scotland Experience

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruption in all aspects of training. Our aim was to explore the degree of impact caused by the pandemic on higher general surgical trainees. Method(s): All higher general surgical trainees in a single UK deanery were invited to participate in an online, voluntary, anonymous survey via SurveyMonkey. Result(s): 64 (72.7%) of the trainees responded. 39.1% were ST3/4, 29.7% were ST5/6, 20.3% were ST7/8 and 10.9% were out of training (maternity & research). Thirty-five (55.6%) worked in district general hospitals. Forty (68.9%) trainees felt that they had fewer opportunities to be primary surgeon. Forty-two (67.7%) trainees did not have access to laparoscopic simulation trainers. Fifty-two (88.1%) trainees had their courses and 2 (3.4%) had their FRCS part 2 exam postponed. 16 (27.1%) trainees reported they had been off-sick, with a median of 7 days off (range 3-35 days). Thirty-three (55.9%) trainees felt more stressed due to the pandemic and 35 (59.4%) had symptoms of burnout. Conclusion(s): The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on all aspects of higher surgical training. The most noticeable impact has been on the reduction in the confidence in laparoscopic and endoscopic skills.