TP8.2.24 Returning to Surgical Training - a survey of surgical trainees' experiences in Yorkshire and the Humber Deanery

Aims To assess the support given to this deanery's surgical trainees returning after time out of programme. Methods An online survey was circulated to surgical trainees within the deanery. The survey included questions about their return, on calls, their experience of support and to evaluate interest in a return to work course. Results Of 35 respondents, 33 had had time out of training. Reasons were health (2), leadership fellow (3), research (11), research and parental leave (6) and parental leave alone (11). Twenty-three trainees reported feeling well supported, 4 were neutral and 6 reported negative experiences. Many returned to a new trust. Twenty were on-call within the first few days and 5 felt unprepared for this. Confidence and operative skills were commonly affected. Whilst trainees out for research or leadership deemed a return to work course unnecessary, those returning from parental leave expressed interest. This could enable trainees to network and gain information and support from peers and senior colleagues. Respondents came from a wide mix of surgical specialties indicating bespoke cadaveric courses might be appropriate. Childcare friendly hours were a priority. Conclusions There is scope for significantly improving the return to work experience through the SuppoRRT (Supported Return to Training) programme. Returning to an on-call shift or being prevented from attending induction is unacceptable. This deanery is developing a surgical return to work course combining cadaveric and animal model technical skills training with clinical scenarios for non technical skills. This is hoped to help improve returning trainees' confidence and operative skills, both commonly affected by time out of training.