scholarly journals P38 COVID-19 impact on Surgical Training And Recovery Planning (COVID-STAR) Survey

BJS Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Joshua Clements

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in dynamic changes to healthcare delivery. Surgery as a specialty has been significantly affected and with that the delivery of surgical training. Method This national, collaborative, cross sectional study comprising 13 surgical trainee associations distributed a pan surgical specialty survey on the COVID-19 impact on surgical training over a 4-week period (11th May - 8th June 2020). The survey was voluntary and open to medical students and surgical trainees of all specialties and training grades. All aspects of training were qualitatively assessed. This study was reported according to STROBE guidelines. Results 810 completed responses were analysed. (M401: F 390) with representation from all deaneries and training grades. 41% of respondents (n = 301) were redeployed with 74% (n = 223) redeployed > 4 weeks. Complete loss of training was reported in elective operating (69.5% n = 474), outpatient activity (67.3%, n = 457), Elective endoscopy (69.5% n = 246) with > 50% reduction in training time reported in emergency operating (48%, n = 326) and completion of work-based assessments (WBA) (46%, n = 309). 81% (n = 551) reported course cancellations and departmental and regional teaching programmes were cancelled without rescheduling in 58% and 60% of cases respectively. A perceived lack of Elective operative exposure and completions of WBA’s were the primary reported factor affecting potential training progression. Overall, > 50% of trainees (n = 377) felt they would not meet the competencies required for that training period. Conclusion This study has demonstrated a perceived negative impact on numerous aspects of surgical training affecting all training specialties and grades.

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽  
Author(s):  

Abstract Aims The COVID-19 pandemic has led to changes in the delivery of surgical services which impact on surgical training. This study aimed to investigate the qualitative impact of COVID-19 on surgical training in the United Kingdom (UK) & Republic of Ireland (ROI) Methods A national, collaborative, cross-sectional study involving 13 surgical trainee associations distributed a pan-surgical specialty questionnaire on the impact of COVID-19 on surgical training (11th May - 8th June 2020). Various aspects of training were assessed. This study was reported according to STROBE guidelines. Results 810 completed responses were analysed (M:401/F:390) from all deaneries and training grades. A significant negative impact of the pandemic on surgical training experience was observed. (Weighted average = 8.66). 41% of respondents (n = 301) were redeployed. Complete loss of training was reported in elective operating (69.5%), outpatient activity (67.3%) and endoscopy (69.5%). A reduction of > 50% was reported in emergency operating (48%) and completion of work-based assessments (WBAs) (46%). 3.3% (n = 17) of respondents reported plans to leave medicine altogether. Cancellations in study leave and regional teaching programmes without rescheduling were reported in 72% and 60% of the cohort respectively. Elective operative exposure and WBAs completion were the primary reported factors affecting potential trainee progression. Overall, > 50% of trainees (n = 377) felt they would not meet the competencies required for that training period. Conclusions COVID-19 has had a negative impact on surgical training across all grades and specialties, with implications for trainee progression, recruitment and retention of the surgical workforce.


BJS Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Joshua Clements

Abstract Background COVID-19 has had a global impact on all aspects of healthcare including surgical teaching and training. The COVID-STAR qualitative study demonstrated a perceived negative impact of COVID-19 on numerous aspects of surgical training across all specialties and training grades. The aim of this study is to investigate how COVID-19 has affected operative case exposure and work-based assessments for surgeons in training. Methods Anonymized data has been sought from the Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme (ISCP) database for operations and work-based assessments in each specialty, involving surgical trainees on an approved training programme at defined Pre-COVID (16/03/19 – 11/05/19) and COVID (16/03/2020 – 11/05/20) timepoints. Primary outcome measures are the percentage (%) difference in WBA and operative activity between time points respectively. Differences in training activity between time periods will be tested using Pearson χ2 and Kruskal–Wallis tests for categorical and continuous variables respectively. Results This study has been approved by the ISCP Data Analysis, Audit and Research Group, and data will be managed in accordance with ISCP data governance. The hypothesis of this study is that COVID-19 has caused a reduction in the operative and WBA activity of trainees across all specialties. Conclusion This study seeks to quantify the impact of COVID-19 on operative training activity and completion of WBAs in clinical practice. This information will inform major stakeholders involved in optimising surgical training in the COVID-19 recovery phase.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingkai Zhang ◽  
Xinlei Zhu ◽  
Zhiyong Sun ◽  
Jiaxing Wang ◽  
Zhuoyu Sun ◽  
...  

Purpose: To investigate the incidence, characteristics, and risk factors of sports-related eye injuries among athletes in Tianjin, China.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from March 2018 to October 2018. In this study, the athletes from Tianjin University of Sports, Tianjin Vocational College of Sports, and Tianjin provincial sports teams were selected for general investigation. In total, 1,673 athletes were invited and 1,413 participated in the study (response rate of 84.5%).Results: In total, 1,413 athletes were enrolled; 151 had suffered from sports-related eye injuries, with an incidence of 10.7% (95% CI: 9.1–12.0%). Handball (38.5%) was the sport with the highest incidence of eye injuries, followed by water polo (36.4%) and diving (26.7%). Overall, 42.4% of the athletes were injured by ball and 22.5% of injuries came from teammates. The eye injuries usually occurred during training (64.2%) and competitions (14.6%). Adnexa wound (51.7%) was the most common type of injury. About 11.9% of the athletes with eye injuries had the impaired vision; 66.7% failed to see doctors on time. The athletes <18 years of age had a higher risk of eye injuries (odds ratio [OR] =1.60, 95% CI: 1.06–2.40). The athletes with lower family income (<1,000 RMB) were at risk population for sports-related eye injuries (OR = 3.91, 95% CI: 2.24–6.82). Training >4 h a day increased the risk of eye injuries (OR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.42–3.43).Conclusion: The incidence of sports-related eye injuries among athletes was 10.7% in Tianjin, China. Handball, water polo, and diving were the most common activities of injury. Age, family income, and training time were the risk factors for sports-related eye injuries.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
B Chandrasekar ◽  
R Leatherby ◽  
A Kausar ◽  
A Waghorn

Abstract Aim This audit aims to compare Core Surgical Training (CST) rotas in our region against the Joint Committee on Surgical Training (JCST) Quality Indicator (QI) 10’s minimum standard of 5 consultant supervised training sessions per week. Method Core surgical trainees in one training region were contacted requesting their on-call rotas from rotations undertaken during the 2019/20 academic year. Rotas were analysed in a protocolised manner, with the number of potential training sessions available calculated and compared against the JCST QI 10 minimum recommendation. Results Twenty-four rotas were assessed across 17 hospitals. Only six (25%) rotas achieved the JCST QI 10 recommended minimum 5 training sessions per week. There was a mean deficit of 18.5 (+/-29.5) training sessions per 6-month rotation. Rotas compliant with JCST QI 10 used a mean rota pattern of 1 in 11 compared to 1 in 9 for those failing to meet the target. Sub-analysis, comprising of the addition of expected consultant supervised training whilst on call, led to an improvement in compliance. 9 (38%) rotas met JCST QI 10's minimum standard when 0.5 hours of consultant supervised training time per on-call session was included, and 13 (54%) rotas met the standard when 1 hour was included. Conclusions Core surgical trainee rotas in the region are failing to provide the minimum number of consultant supervised training sessions set out by JCST QI 10. A move to reduced on-call commitment, increased use of supporting medical practitioners and regular perceived consultant supervised training whilst on call should be considered to improve this.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Phillip Pucher ◽  
Deirdre Nally ◽  
Adam Peckham-Cooper ◽  
Christina Fleming ◽  
Walid Mohamed ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Ensuring high quality surgical training remains a challenge as demands on the NHS rise. This study aimed to explore the differences and potential conflicts between service provision and dedicated training activity and recommend solutions. Methods Participants were drawn from the Association of Surgeons in Training national council. Nominal Group Technique (NGT) was employed by members of the ASIT executive addressing 3 key domains (1) defining differences between training and service tasks, (2) impact of service-provision on training and (3) ways to improve training. A two round Delphi process was conducted via electronic survey to ASIT council. Consensus was considered achieved for any statement where 80% or more of respondents indicated agreement. Results 47 statements, generated through NGT, were put to the Delphi process. Consensus was reached on a total of 24/47 statements. Educational or training tasks were identified as those which progressed a trainee’s skill set, could be tailored to a trainee’s own ability, or involved training more junior colleagues. The negative impact of excess service provision included training quality, trainee mental health, and surgical trainee recruitment. Potential measures to improve training included increasing hospital staffing and resources, protected training times, trainee-specific or competency-based learning and training or incentivising trainers. Conclusion This trainee-based study provides several consensus recommendations on the characteristics that define surgical training and how a balance between service provision and training can potentially be achieved. Policy makers and health systems may be guided by these to ensure high quality training and a satisfied workforce.


BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. e018086 ◽  
Author(s):  
John O’Callaghan ◽  
Helen M Mohan ◽  
Anna Sharrock ◽  
Vimal Gokani ◽  
J Edward Fitzgerald ◽  
...  

ObjectivesApplications for surgical training have declined over the last decade, and anecdotally the costs of training at the expense of the surgical trainee are rising. We aimed to quantify the costs surgical trainees are expected to cover for postgraduate training.DesignProspective, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study.Setting/ParticipantsA non-mandatory online questionnaire for UK-based trainees was distributed nationally. A similar national questionnaire was distributed for Ireland, taking into account differences between the healthcare systems. Only fully completed responses were included.ResultsThere were 848 and 58 fully completed responses from doctors based in the UK and Ireland, respectively. Medical students in the UK reported a significant increase in debt on graduation by 55% from £17 892 (2000–2004) to £27 655 (2010–2014) (p<0.01). 41% of specialty trainees in the UK indicated that some or all of their study budget was used to fund mandatory regional teaching. By the end of training, a surgical trainee in the UK spends on average £9105 on courses, £5411 on conferences and £4185 on exams, not covered by training budget. Irish trainees report similarly high costs. Most trainees undertake a higher degree during their postgraduate training. The cost of achieving the mandatory requirements for completion of training ranges between £20 000 and £26 000 (dependent on specialty), except oral and maxillofacial surgery, which is considerably higher (£71 431).ConclusionsMedical students are graduating with significantly larger debt than before. Surgical trainees achieve their educational requirements at substantial personal expenditure. To encourage graduates to pursue and remain in surgical training, urgent action is required to fund the mandatory requirements and annual training costs for completion of training and provide greater transparency to inform doctors of what their postgraduate training costs will be. This is necessary to increase diversity in surgery, reduce debt load and ensure surgery remains a popular career choice.


Author(s):  
Henry Olayere Obanife ◽  
Nasiru Jinjiri Ismail ◽  
Ali Lasseini ◽  
Bello B. Shehu ◽  
Ega J. Otorkpa

Abstract Background Road traffic accident (RTA) is the eighth leading cause of death worldwide. Motorcycle-associated head injury is the leading cause of road traffic associated morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Even though the incidence and mortality of head injury from motor cycle crash is on the increase in developing countries, especially in the African continent, most of the studies published in the literature on this subject matter took place in the developed Western countries. Methods This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of data from patients managed in our institution between December 2014 and November 2016. Results One hundred and eighty-four patients were analyzed. None of the patients used safety helmet for protection. The mean age was 27.6 ± 17.2 years with male female ratio of 6.7:1. Lone crash by cyclists and collisions accounted for 66.8% and 33.1% of the cases, respectively. Passengers and riders comprised 75% of the patients, while 25% were vulnerable pedestrians. The most frequently abused substance by the patients was tramadol (65.52%). Severe head injury and pupillary abnormality were found in 23.9% and 45.5% of the patients, respectively. Cranial CT scan showed abnormalities in 40.2% of the patients. Surgery was done in 28.3% of the patients with mortality rate of 20.7%. Conclusions The use of motorcycle as a mean of transportation has caused significant negative impact on the society. Young people, who constitute the workforce, are majorly affected, and this invariably leads to a serious economic burden on the concerned families and communities.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1641
Author(s):  
Lien T. K. Nguyen ◽  
Binh N. Do ◽  
Dinh N. Vu ◽  
Khue M. Pham ◽  
Manh-Tan Vu ◽  
...  

Background: Comorbidity is common and causes poor stroke outcomes. We aimed to examine the modifying impacts of physical activity (PA) and diet quality on the association between comorbidity and disability in stroke patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 951 stable stroke patients in Vietnam from December 2019 to December 2020. The survey questionnaires were administered to assess patients’ characteristics, clinical parameters (e.g., Charlson Comorbidity Index items), health-related behaviors (e.g., PA using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire- short version), health literacy, diet quality (using the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Quality (DASH-Q) questionnaire), and disability (using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHODAS II)). Linear regression models were used to analyze the associations and interactions. Results: The proportion of comorbidity was 49.9% (475/951). The scores of DASH-Q and WHODAS II were 29.2 ± 11.8, 32.3 ± 13.5, respectively. Patients with comorbidity had a higher score of disability (regression coefficient, B, 8.24; 95% confidence interval, 95%CI, 6.66, 9.83; p < 0.001) as compared with those without comorbidity. Patients with comorbidity and higher tertiles of PA (B, −4.65 to −5.48; p < 0.05), and a higher DASH-Q score (B, −0.32; p < 0.001) had a lower disability score, as compared with those without comorbidity and the lowest tertile of PA, and the lowest score of DASH-Q, respectively. Conclusions: Physical activity and diet quality significantly modified the negative impact of comorbidity on disability in stroke patients. Strategic approaches are required to promote physical activity and healthy diet which further improve stroke rehabilitation outcomes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Moreira de Sousa ◽  
L Lopes ◽  
P Costa ◽  
G Martins-Coelho ◽  
R Capucho

Abstract Background In 2017, the risk-weighted prevalence of alcohol consumption was the health indicator with a more negative impact on the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation Sustainable Development Goals Health Index Value in Portugal. According to data from 2012-14, the Alto Tâmega and Barroso (ATB) had the highest value of Years of potential life lost (YPLL) in North Portugal - 4570,1/10.000 people. Liver chronic disease was the specific cause of death that contributed to the value of YPLL - 465,4/10.000 people. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with data from the Northern Health Administration and the General Directorate for Intervention on Addictive Behaviours and Dependencies. We compared the number of patients with chronic alcohol consumption (CAC) in 2018, the leading causes of death between 2012-14, the main morbidity causes according to data from primary healthcare (PHC) physicians in 2018 and the number of patients in specialized treatment team (STT) for alcohol abuse treatment in 2018 in ATB. Results In 2018, 2643 patients of ATB had a diagnosis of CAC; only 178 were followed by an STT. Although CAC had a massive influence on YPLL, this was only the 11º cause of morbidity in ATB according to the data from PHC. The number of women with CAC was stable between 2012 (n = 284) and 2018 (n = 291). In the same period, there was an increase of 52,86% of CAC on men (n = 1523 to n = 2348). Even though 18,4% of YPLL due to chronic liver disease happen in women, only 11,2%of the patients with CAC in the PHC are women. Conclusions There is a need for the improvement of CAC diagnosis in PHC, and the improvement of referral of patients to STT and hospital care. Besides, to reach the SDG3, there is the need to work intensely on SDG 17 (partnership for the goals). The Public Health Unit of ATB is organizing Operation PROMETEU to improve communication, institutional collaboration, and monitoring of the existing health activities that are tackling CAC. Key messages The need to integrate data from different healthcare sources for a better analysis on health problems. The urgent need to tackle the alcohol abuse problem in ATB.


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