947 COVID19 and Its Impact on the North and East of Scotland Orthopaedic Trainees. (19th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lim, JW; Rehman, H
• Is Part Of: British journal of surgery. Volume 109(2022)Supplement 6
• Publication Date: 2022-08-19
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znac269.092
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1323

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: We conducted a trainee survey at the first peak of the pandemic to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the North of Scotland (NoS) and East of Scotland (EoS) orthopaedic trainees. Method: An online survey was distributed to all NoS and EoS orthopaedic trainees. All data collection was anonymous. Results: Across both Scottish deaneries, 28 trainees had responded: 39% from EoS and 61% from NoS. Trainees at all stages of training responded to the survey, with the most responses received from specialist trainees in third year of training (ST3) (25%). In response to the pandemic, 18% of trainees had been redeployed and they were from NoS. Since the reconfiguration of service, 18% of trainees had done >20 operations in a month and they were senior trainees. If COVID-19 outbreak is likely going to reduce operating opportunities for a long period, only 36% of trainees would be open to the idea of making standard surgical specialty training longer whereas 57% of trainees would be open to longer working hours to achieve certification in Trauma and Orthopaedic surgery within 96 months. Conclusion: The outbreak of COVID-19 has impacted both deaneries orthopaedic training and urgent restoration of surgical training is essential for individual trainees. Changes in working practices necessitated by COVID-19 have known to impact theatre efficiency. Actions should be taken to improve the theatre efficiency while prioritizing training opportunities.