Proof of surgical publication prowess: prospective observational study of factors associated with surrogate markers of academic reach. Issue 4 (3rd June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Robinson, D. B. T.; Powell, A. G. M. T.; Hopkins, L.; James, O. P.; Abdelrahman, T.; Egan, R.; Lewis, W. G.
• Is Part Of: BJS open. Volume 4:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 724
• Page End: 729
• Publication Date: 2020-06-03
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1002/bjs5.50307
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2474-9842

Abstract

Abstract : Background: In the UK, general surgery higher surgical trainees (HSTs) must publish at least three peer‐reviewed scientific articles (as first, second or corresponding author) to qualify for certification of completion of training (CCT). This study aimed to identify the factors associated with success in this arena. Methods: Deanery rosters supplemented with data from the Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme, PubMed and ResearchGate were used to identify the profiles of consecutive HSTs. Primary outcomes were publication numbers at defined points in higher training (speciality training year (ST) 3–8); secondary outcomes were the Hirsch index and ResearchGate scores. Results: Fifty‐nine consecutive HSTs (24 women, 35 men) were studied. The median publication number was 3 (range 0–30). At least three published articles were obtained by 30 HSTs (51 per cent), with 19 (38 per cent) of 50 HSTs achieving this by ST4 (of whom 15 (79 per cent) had undertaken out of programme for research (OOPR) time) and 24 (80 per cent) by ST6. Thirteen HSTs (22 per cent) (ST3, 6; ST4, 4; ST5, 2; ST8, 1) had yet to publish at the time of writing. OOPR was associated with achieving three publications (24 of 35 (69 per cent) versus 6 of 24 (25 per cent) with no formal research time; P = 0·001), higher overall number of publications (median 6 versus 1 respectively; P < 0·001), higher ResearchGate score (median 23·37 versus 5·27; P < 0·001) and higher Hirsch index (median 3 versus 1; P < 0·001). In multivariable analysis, training grade (odds ratio (OR) 1·89, 95 per cent c.i. 0·01 to 3·52; P = 0·045) and OOPR (OR 6·55, 2·04 to 21·04; P = 0·002) were associated with achieving three publications. Conclusion: If CCT credentials are to include publication profiles, HST programmes should incorporate research training in workforce planning. Abstract : This study aimed to identify the factors associated with success in this arena. Out of programme for research time was independently associated with attaining certification of completion of training (CCT) publication requirements (odds ratio 6·55, 95 per cent c.i. 2·04 to 21·04; P = 0·002). If CCT credentials are to include publication profiles, higher surgical trainee programmes should incorporate research training in workforce planning. Research training required Abstract : Antecedentes: En el Reino Unido, para obtener el título de especialista ( certification of completion of training, CCT), los residentes de cirugía general durante la etapa de formación específica ( higher general surgical trainees, HST) deben publicar, al menos, tres artículos científicos en revistas con sistema de revisión por pares ( peer review ) (como primer o segundo autor o como autor para la correspondencia). Este estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar los factores asociados con el éxito en este aspecto. Métodos: Se identificaron las reseñas de HST consecutivos, mediante datos propios de cada institución y del Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme, PubMed y ResearchGate. La variable principal fue el número de publicaciones en puntos definidos de la etapa de formación específica (ST3‐8); las variables secundarias fueron los índices de Hirsch y las puntuaciones de ResearchGate. Resultados: Se analizó la actividad científica de 59 HST consecutivos (24 mujeres, 35 varones). La mediana del número de publicaciones fue de 3 (rango 0‐33). Treinta HST (50, 8%) lograron > 3 publicaciones; 19 (38, 0%) lo lograron en ST4 (78, 9% durante el período de investigación al margen del programa de formación quirúrgica ( Out of Programme Research (OOPR)), y 24 (80, 0% de la totalidad de la cohorte) en ST6. Trece HST (22, 0%) no habían publicado ningún trabajo hasta el momento de la redacción de este artículo (6 ST3, 4 ST4, 2 ST5 y 1 ST8). El OOPR se asoció con la consecución de las 3 publicaciones (68, 6% versus 25, 0%, P = 0, 001), con un mayor número de publicaciones (mediana 6 versus 1, P < 0, 001), con puntuaciones ResearchGate más elevadas (23, 37 versus 5, 27, P < 0, 001) e índices de Hirsch más altos (3 versus 1, P < 0, 001). En el análisis multivariable, el año de residencia (razón de oportunidades, odds ratio, OR 1, 890, i.c. del 95% 0, 014‐3, 522, P = 0, 045) y el OOPR (OR 6, 545, i.c. del 95% 2, 037‐21, 036, P = 0, 020) se asociaron con la consecución de las tres publicaciones. Conclusión: Si la CCT exige un número de publicaciones, los programas de los HST deberían incorporar formación en investigación dentro de la actividad laboral habitual.