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 All higher general surgical trainees in a single UK deanery were invited to participate in an online, voluntary, anonymous survey via SurveyMonkey. Results 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. Conclusions 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.