SP2.1.17Prognostic significance of competition ratios in surgical specialty training selection

Abstract Aims A Competition Ratio (CR) indicates the ratio of total applications for a training post when compared with numbers of specialty posts available. This study aimed to evaluate CRs’ influence on National Training Number (NTN) selection in a single UK Statutory Education Body. Methods Consecutive Core Surgical Trainees numbering 154 (median years since graduation: four, 105 male, 49 female) were studied over a six-year period. Annual specialty specific CRs were obtained from Health Education England’s website, and primary outcome measure was UK National Training Number (NTN) appointment. Results Overall NTN appointment was 45.5%. Median CR was 2.36; range OMFS 0.70 (2020) to Neurosurgery 22.0 (2020). Multivariable analysis revealed that NTN success was associated with: CR (OR 0.46, p = 0.003), a single scientific publication (OR 6.25, p = 0.001), cohort year (2019, OR 12.65, p = 0.003), and Universal ARCP Outcome 1 (OR 45.24, p < 0.001). CRs predicted NTN appointment with a Youden index defined critical ratio of 4.42; 28.6% (n = 8) vs. 49.2% (n = 62), p = 0.018. Conclusions CRs displayed 30-fold variation, with CRs below 4.42 associated with two-fold better NTN promotion, but strong clinical competence and academic reach again emerged as the principal drivers of career advancement.

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Prognostic significance of competition ratios in surgical specialty training selection

Postgraduate Medical Journal ◽

10.1136/postgradmedj-2020-139491 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. postgradmedj-2020-139491

Author(s):

Katie Mellor ◽

David B Robinson ◽

Oliver Luton ◽

Osian P James ◽

Arfon GMT Powell ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Maxillofacial Surgery ◽

Prognostic Significance ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Scientific Publication ◽

Primary Outcome Measure ◽

Youden Index ◽

Annual Review ◽

Critical Ratio ◽

Surgical Specialty ◽

Surgical Trainees

BackgroundA competition ratio (CR) indicates the ratio of total applications for a training post when compared with numbers of specialty posts available. This study aimed to evaluate CRs’ influence on National Training Number (NTN) selection in a single UK Statutory Education Body.MethodsConsecutive core surgical trainees numbering 154 (105 men, 49 women; median years since graduation: four) were studied over a 6-year period. Annual specialty specific CRs were obtained from Health Education England’s website, and primary outcome measure was UK NTN appointment.ResultsOverall NTN appointment was 45.5%. Median CR was 2.36; range Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 0.70 (2020) to Neurosurgery 22.0 (2020). Multivariable analysis revealed that NTN success was associated with: CR (OR 0.46, p=0.003), a single scientific publication (OR 6.25, p=0.001), cohort year (2019, OR 12.65, p=0.003) and Universal Annual Review of Competence Progression Outcome 1 (OR 45.24, p<0.001). CRs predicted NTN appointment with a Youden index defined critical ratio of 4.42; 28.6% (n=8) versus 49.2% (n=62), p=0.018.ConclusionCRs displayed 30-fold variation, with CRs below 4.42 associated with twofold better NTN promotion, but strong clinical competence and academic reach again emerged as the principal drivers of career advancement.

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SP2.2.1Improving surgical training: core programme performance related to rotation theme, design, and trainee protocol engagement

British Journal of Surgery ◽

10.1093/bjs/znab361.038 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽

Author(s):

Katie Mellor ◽

David B Robinson ◽

Osian P James ◽

Arfon GMT Powell ◽

Richard J Egan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Performance Management ◽

Outcome Measures ◽

Surgical Training ◽

General Surgery ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Scientific Article ◽

Specialty Training ◽

Surgical Specialty ◽

National Training

Abstract Aims Core Surgical Training (CST) and Improving ST (IST) programmes are in flux and their design controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the relative performance of a single Statutory Education Board’s (SEB) CST and IST programmes related to rotation design, theme, and protocol engagement. Methods Individual rotations numbering 181 were analysed prospectively over six-years (2014 to 2020). Primary outcome measures were MRCS pass and specialty National Training Number (NTN) appointment. Results Overall MRCS pass was 68.5% and NTN appointment 39.2%. NTN appointment related to rotation design varied from zero to 100% (median 40.0%). Conversion to NTN varied by specialty theme and ranged from: General surgery CST 35.6% to General surgery (IST pilot) 87.5% (p = 0.004). Multivariable analysis revealed NTN appointment was associated with: operative logbook caseload >464 (OR 3.02, p = 0.068), scientific article publication (OR 4.82, p = 0.006), and universal ARCP Outcome 1 (OR 37.83, p < 0.001), and IST (OR 55.54, p = 0.006). Conclusions Focused rotational design allied to enhanced performance management, and protocol engagement, were associated with improved conversion to higher surgical specialty training.

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TP6.2.12Prognostic significance of symptomatic presentation in patients with Gastro-Intestinal Stromal Tumours

British Journal of Surgery ◽

10.1093/bjs/znab362.040 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽

Author(s):

Hari Nageswaran ◽

Hannah Hall ◽

Samuel Kruber ◽

Lucy Satherley ◽

Arfon Powell ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mitotic Index ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Prognostic Index ◽

Primary Outcome Measure ◽

National Institutes Of Health ◽

Anatomical Site ◽

Gi Tract ◽

Presenting Symptoms ◽

Network Database

Abstract Background Gastro-Intestinal Stromal tumours (GISTs) are rare neoplasms of mesenchymal origin that arise in the GI tract and account for approximately 0.1-3% of all GI tumours. The aim of this study was to determine whether the mode of clinical presentation of GISTs has an effect on outcome. Methods Consecutive 143 patients diagnosed with GISTs were identified from the regional network database (median age 67 (21-88) years, 85 male). Data were collected on presenting symptoms, tumour, treatment undertaken, and the primary outcome measure was survival. Results The commonest GIST anatomical sites were stomach (69.9%), small bowel (13.3%), and colon (4.9%). Commonest symptoms were abdominal pain (30.0%), dyspepsia (11.8%), and anaemia (11.1%). Symptomatic presentations were associated with older age (p = 0.056) and higher mitotic index (>5 per 50HPF, p = 0.045). On univariable analysis the factors associated with cumulative 10-year survival were age (p = 0.076), the presence of symptoms (78.1% vs. 96.4%, p = 0.028), mitotic index (p = 0.011), and modified National Institutes of Health (NIH) prognostic index (p = 0.010), but not deprivation index, anatomical site or GIST diameter. Symptomatic patients aged over 60 years with mitotic index >5 per 50 HPF had the poorest 10-year survival at 63.6% (HR 2.577, 95%CI 1.132-5.867). On multivariable analysis, NIH index (HR 4.283, 95%CI 1.395-13.149, p = 0.011) and age (HR1.061, 95%CI 1.006-1.118, p = 0.029) were independently associated with 10-year survival. Conclusions Age, symptoms, and NIH criteria represent the most important prognostic biomarkers in patients diagnosed with GISTs.

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Differences in progression by surgical specialty: a national cohort study

10.1101/2021.05.10.21256963 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

carla hope ◽

Jon Lund ◽

gareth griffiths ◽

david humes

Keyword(s):

Cohort Study ◽

Surgical Training ◽

General Surgery ◽

Primary Outcome Measure ◽

Older Age ◽

Annual Review ◽

Surgical Specialty ◽

Surgical Trainees ◽

National Cohort ◽

To Receive

The aim of surgical training across the ten surgical specialties is to produce competent day one consultants. Progression through training is assessed by the Annual Review of Competency Progression (ARCP). Objective This study aimed to examine variation in ARCP outcomes within surgical training and identify differences between specialties. Design A national cohort study using data from United Kingdom Medical Education Database (UKMED) was performed. ARCP outcome was the primary outcome measure. Multi-level ordinal regression analyses were performed, with ARCP outcomes nested within trainees. Participants Higher surgical trainees (ST3-ST8) from 9 UK surgical specialties were included (vascular surgery was excluded due to insufficient data). All surgical trainees across the UK with an ARCP outcome between 2010 to 2017 were included. Results Eight thousand two hundred and twenty trainees with an ARCP outcome awarded between 2010 and 2017 were included, comprising 31,788 ARCP outcomes. There was substantial variation in the proportion of non-standard outcomes recorded across specialties with general surgery trainees having the highest proportion of non-standard outcomes (22.5%) and urology trainees the fewest 12.4%. After adjustment, general surgery trainees were 1.3 times more likely to receive a non-standard ARCP outcome compared to trainees in T&O (OR 1.33 95%CI 1.21-1.45). Urology trainees were 36% less likely to receive a non-standard outcome compared to T&O trainees (OR 0.64 95%CI 0.54-0.75). Female trainees and older age were associated with non-standard outcomes (OR 1.11 95%CI 1.02-1.22; OR 1.04 95%CI 1.03-1.05). Conclusion There is wide variation in the training outcome assessments across surgical specialties. General surgery has higher rates of non-standard outcomes compared to other surgical specialities. Across all specialities, female sex and older age were associated with non-standard outcomes.

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The perceived global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on doctors’ medical and surgical training: an international survey

10.22541/au.161717872.24336359/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

. TMS Collaborative ◽

Ryan Laloo ◽

Rama Santhosh Karri ◽

Kasun Wanigasooriya ◽

William Beedham ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Surgical Training ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Global Network ◽

International Survey ◽

Surgical Specialty ◽

Middle Income ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

Significant Burden ◽

Training Post

Abstract Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a significant burden on healthcare systems causing disruption to medical and surgical training of doctors globally. Aims and objectives This is the first international survey assessing the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on training of doctors of all grades and specialties. Methods An online global survey was disseminated using Survey Monkey® between 4th August 2020 and 17th November 2020. A global network of collaborators facilitated participant recruitment. Data was collated anonymously with informed consent and analysed using univariate and adjusted multivariable analysis. Results 743 doctors of median age 27 (IQR: 25-30) were included with the majority (56.8%, n=422) being male. Two-thirds of doctors were in a training post (66.5%, n=494), 52.9% (n=393) in a surgical specialty and 53.0% (n= 394) in low- and middle-income countries. 69.2% (n=514) reported an overall perceived negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their training. A significant decline was noted among non-virtual teaching methods such as face-to-face lectures, tutorials, ward-based teaching, theatre sessions, conferences, simulation sessions and morbidity and mortality meetings (p≤0.05). Doctors from low or middle-income countries were associated with perceived inadequate supervision while performing invasive procedures under general, local or regional anaesthetic. (p≤0.05) Conclusion In addition to the detrimental impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare infrastructure, there has been an indirect consequence of disrupted training within medical and surgical subspecialties. A focus on reconfiguration of training programs through a variety of additional resources will become imperative to reduce the long-term sequalae of COVID-19 on doctors’ training.

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Association Between Dementia and Clinical Outcome After COVID-19: A Nationwide Cohort Study with Propensity Score Matched Control in South Korea

10.21203/rs.3.rs-121469/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Sheng-Min Wang ◽

Si-Hyun Park ◽

Nak-Young Kim ◽

Dong Woo Kang ◽

Hae-Ran Na ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Propensity Score ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Outcome Measure ◽

Matched Control ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Ventilatory Support ◽

Primary Outcome Measure ◽

Group Pair ◽

Risk Of Mortality ◽

High Prevalence

Abstract Despite a high prevalence of dementia in older adults hospitalized with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection (COVID-19), research investigating association between preexisting diagnoses of dementia and prognosis of COVID-19 is scarce. We explored a nationwide cohort with a total of 2,800 subjects older than 50 years who were diagnosed with COVID-19 between January and April 2020. Among them, 223 patients had underlying dementia (dementia group). We matched 1:1 for each dementia-non-dementia group pair yielding 223 patients without dementia (no dementia group) using propensity score matching. The primary outcome measure was group difference in mortality after COVID-19. Mortality rate after COVID-19 were significantly higher in dementia group than in no dementia group (33.6% vs. 20.2%, p=0.002). In addition, dementia group had higher proportion of patients requiring invasive ventilatory support than no dementia group (34.1% vs. 22.0%, p=0.006). Multivariable analysis showed that dementia group had a higher risk of mortality than no dementia group (odds ratio=3.05, p<0.001). We also found that patients in dementia group had a higher risk of needing invasive ventilatory support than those in no dementia group. Our results suggest that system including strengthen quarantines are required for patients with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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SP2.1.16Prognostic significance of Drivers at Work and Learning Styles in surgical training

British Journal of Surgery ◽

10.1093/bjs/znab361.036 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽

Author(s):

Katie Mellor ◽

Luke Hopkins ◽

Osian P James ◽

Oliver Luton ◽

Richard J Egan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Learning Styles ◽

Outcome Measures ◽

Surgical Training ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Response Rate ◽

Career Progression ◽

Training Assessment ◽

Boot Camps ◽

Surgical Trainees ◽

National Training

Abstract Aims Drivers at Work (DW) and Learning Styles (LS) refer to a range of contentious theories that aim to account for differences in career progression, yet seldom feature in training assessment. This study aimed to quantify the influence of Core Surgical Trainees’ (CST) DW and LS on career progression. Methods Kolb LS inventories were distributed to 168 CSTs during five consecutive induction boot camps in a single Statutory Education Body. Primary outcome measures were MRCS and National Training Number (NTN) success. Results Of 108 responses received (response rate 64.3%), 64.8% were male and 35.2% female (p = 0.003). The spectrum of DW was: Please People (25%), Be Perfect (21.3%), Hurry Up (18.5%), Be Strong (13.9%), and Try Hard (0%, p < 0.001). DW was either unequivocal or not provided by 23 CSTs (21.3%). The spectrum of LS was: Converging (34.3%), Accommodating (28.7%), Diverging (23.1%), and Assimilating (13.9%, p = 0.021). MRCS success was not associated with DW (p = 0.703) or LS (p = 0.598). Men were more likely to have Converging LS (29/70, 41.4%), and women Diverging LS (15/38, 39.5%, p = 0.018) and to have team-based LS (Accommodating / Diverging, 26/38 vs. 30/70, p = 0.010). NTN success was associated with LS (p = 0.038) with Convergers achieving most NTNs (65.4%). Conclusions LS are associated with important differences in career progression with Converging LS three-fold more likely to achieve NTNs than Diverging LS.

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Prognostic significance of drivers at work and learning styles in surgical training

Postgraduate Medical Journal ◽

10.1136/postgradmedj-2021-140930 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. postgradmedj-2021-140930

Author(s):

Katie Mellor ◽

Luke Hopkins ◽

David Bryan Thomas Robinson ◽

Osian Penri James ◽

Oliver Luton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Learning Styles ◽

Surgical Training ◽

Prognostic Significance ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Training Programme ◽

Scholarly Activity ◽

Boot Camps ◽

Surgical Trainees ◽

National Training ◽

Career Progress

Purpose of the studyDrivers at work (DW) and Learning Styles (LS) refer to contentious theories that aim to account for differential career development yet seldom feature in assessment. This study aimed to quantify the influence of core surgical trainees’ (CST) DW and LS on career progress.Study designDW questionnaires and Kolb LS inventories were distributed to 168 CSTs during five consecutive induction boot camps in a single-statutory education body. Primary outcome measures were membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) examination and national training number (NTN) success.ResultsOf 108 responses received (response rate 64.3%), 64.8% were male and 35.2% female (p=0.003). DW spectrum was: please people (25.0%), be perfect (21.3%), hurry up (18.5%), be strong (13.9%) and try hard (0%, p<0.001). DW was either equivocal (n=14) or not provided (n=9) by 21.3% of CSTs. LS were: converging (34.3%), accommodating (28.7%), diverging (23.1%) and assimilating (13.9%, p=0.021). Men were more likely to be convergers (29/70, 41.4%), and women divergers (15/38, 39.5%, p=0.018) also preferring team-based LS (accommodating/diverging, 26/38 (68.4%) vs 30/70 (42.9%), p=0.010). MRCS success was not associated with DW (p=0.329) or LS (p=0.459). On multivariable analysis, NTN success was associated with LS (accommodators 64.5%, divergers 32.0%, OR 10.90, p=0.014), scholarly activity (OR 1.71, p=0.001), improving surgical training programme (OR 36.22, p=0.019) and universal ARCP 1 outcome (OR 183.77, p<0.001).ConclusionsLS are associated with important differences in career progress with accommodator twofold more likely than diverger to achieve NTN.

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Comparative study of intracranial access in thrombectomy using next generation 0.088 inch guide catheter technology

Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery ◽

10.1136/neurintsurg-2021-017341 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. neurintsurg-2021-017341

Author(s):

Devin V Bageac ◽

Blake S Gershon ◽

Jan Vargas ◽

Maxim Mokin ◽

Zeguang Ren ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Outcome ◽

Primary Outcome Measure ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Control Group ◽

Anterior Circulation ◽

Guide Catheter ◽

Catheter Failure ◽

Catheter Technology ◽

Intracranial Vasculature

BackgroundMost conventional 0.088 inch guide catheters cannot safely navigate intracranial vasculature. The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety of stroke thrombectomy using a novel 0.088 inch guide catheter designed for intracranial navigation.MethodsThis is a multicenter retrospective study, which included patients over 18 years old who underwent thrombectomy for anterior circulation large vessel occlusions. Technical outcomes for patients treated using the TracStar Large Distal Platform (TracStar LDP) or earlier generation TRX LDP were compared with a matched cohort of patients treated with other commonly used guide catheters. The primary outcome measure was device-related complications. Secondary outcome measures included guide catheter failure and time between groin puncture and clot engagement.ResultsEach study arm included 45 patients. The TracStar group was non-inferior to the control group with regard to device-related complications (6.8% vs 8.9%), and the average time to clot engagement was 8.89 min shorter (14.29 vs 23.18 min; p=0.0017). There were no statistically significant differences with regard to other technical outcomes, including time to recanalization (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) ≥2B). The TracStar was successfully advanced into the intracranial internal carotid artery in 33 cases (73.33%); in three cases (6.67%), it was swapped for an alternate catheter. Successful reperfusion (mTICI 2B-3) was achieved in 95.56% of cases. Ninety-day follow-up data were available for 86.67% of patients, among whom 46.15% had an modified Rankin Score of 0–2%, and 10.26% were deceased.ConclusionsTracstar LDP is safe for use during stroke thrombectomy and was associated with decreased time to clot engagement. Intracranial access was regularly achieved.

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Intracameral Bevacizumab Versus Sub-Tenon’s Mitomycin C as Adjuncts to Trabeculectomy: 3-Year Results of a Prospective Randomized Study

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10102054 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (10) ◽

pp. 2054

Author(s):

Gerasimos Kopsinis ◽

Dimitrios Tsoukanas ◽

Dimitra Kopsini ◽

Theodoros Filippopoulos

Keyword(s):

Mitomycin C ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Randomized Study ◽

Primary Outcome Measure ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Filtration Surgery ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Exfoliative Glaucoma

Conjunctival wound healing determines success after filtration surgery and the quest for better antifibrotic agents remains active. This study compares intracameral bevacizumab to sub-Tenon’s mitomycin C (MMC) in trabeculectomy. Primary open-angle or exfoliative glaucoma patients were randomized to either bevacizumab (n = 50 eyes) or MMC (n = 50 eyes). The primary outcome measure was complete success, defined as Intraocular Pressure (IOP) > 5 mmHg and ≤ 21 mmHg with a minimum 20% reduction from baseline without medications. Average IOP and glaucoma medications decreased significantly in both groups at all follow-up points compared to baseline (p < 0.001), without significant difference between groups at 3 years (IOP: bevacizumab group from 29 ± 9.4 to 15 ± 3.4 mmHg, MMC group from 28.3 ± 8.7 to 15.4 ± 3.8 mmHg, p = 0.60; Medications: bevacizumab group from 3.5 ± 0.9 to 0.5 ± 1, MMC group from 3.6 ± 0.7 to 0.6 ± 1.1, p = 0.70). Complete success, although similar between groups at 3 years (66% vs. 64%), was significantly higher for bevacizumab at months 6 and 12 (96% vs. 82%, p = 0.03; 88% vs. 72%, p = 0.04, respectively) with fewer patients requiring medications at months 6, 9 and 12 (4% vs. 18%, p = 0.03; 6% vs. 20%, p = 0.04; 8% vs. 24%, p = 0.03, respectively). Complication rates were similar between groups. In conclusion, intracameral bevacizumab appears to provide similar long-term efficacy and safety results as sub-Tenon’s MMC after trabeculectomy.

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