Abstract
Introduction
COVID-19 has had an unprecedented effect on surgical training, including prerequisite entry-level courses to speciality training. We describe the implementation of a virtual, one-to-one training programme aimed at the acquisition and retention of operative skills.
Methods
Enrolment commenced 8th May 2020 for wound closure techniques or an extended programme including tendon repairs, delivered by Specialist Registrars in Plastic Surgery using Zoom® (v. 5.0.5) via mobile device. Participant feedback was collected retrospectively using a 5-point scale following course completion.
Results
5 participants completed the wound closure programme, and 3 the extended programme, over an average of 5 weeks, with 2 sessions per week. 5 participants were male, 3 female and were of the following grades: 2 CT2, 4 FY2, 1 FY1 and 1 medical student. A total of 103.5 hours of training was recorded to 7 September 2020.
Participants reported that all virtual skills taught were readily transferable to the theatre environment. Following the course, all participants felt confident to complete the skills learnt independently, rating the course as excellent.
Conclusions
The COVID-19 crisis has placed insurmountable obstacles in the face of surgical training. With further validation, we aim to develop surgical skills training with virtual, easily reproducible, cost-effective, trainee centred programmes.
A Surgical Skills Training Curriculum for PGY-1 Residents
