172 The Perceived Effect of COVID-19 on Surgical Training in Malta and the UK

Surgical training comprises of learning in a number of environments – practical experience in hospital, educational activities, reaching core competencies and academic development. The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant effects on healthcare systems, and this likely will have impacted surgical training. This survey set out to assess the perceived effects of COVID-19 on surgical training. Method A survey was circulated amongst surgical trainees to assess perceived effects from the COVID-19 pandemic on their surgical training. This was circulated amongst surgical trainees in Malta and London. 32 surgical trainees from Malta and 25 from London responded. Results were analysed, tabulated and compared. Results Less Malta trainees were redeployed than UK (3% vs 80%), whist both had rotations postponed or cancelled (62.5% vs. 92%). Trainees felt logbook opportunities (78% vs 100%) and theatre experience (97% vs 100%) had reduced. Trainees were unsure of how this would affect their progression (56% vs 52%), and some felt recruitment criteria should be adjusted in view of the above (50% vs 68%). Overall, both groups agreed their surgical education had been negatively impacted (84% vs 100%). Conclusions Both UK and Malta trainees feel that surgical training has been negatively impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic.