WP8.6 - Improved confidence levels with the introduction of a junior doctor led surgical handbook for first rotation foundation year one doctors

Abstract Aims Assess the confidence levels of general surgical foundation year one (FY1) doctors in managing patients at the start of their rotation in August 2022 and August 2023. Assess the impact of a surgical handbook on confidence levels at the start of the rotation. Methods Cohort one (August 2022) were asked to reflect on their confidence before their surgical placements. Cohort two (August 2023) were surveyed at the start of their rotation. A surgical handbook was given to cohort two pre-rotation. Ten questions used Likert scales (1 to 5: not at all confident to very confident). One question on education methods and one was an open question. Data was initially inputted using Google Docs and analysed in Microsoft Excel. Results 100% (10/10) cohort one and 100% (12/12) cohort two completed the survey. 83% (10/12) of cohort two had read the surgical handbook pre-rotation. 100% (10/10) who read the guide found it useful. Modal confidence scores were higher across all 10 questions in cohort two in comparison to cohort one. The lowest confidence levels in both cohorts were in speaking to a dying patient’s family. The majority of FY1 doctors would prefer case-based discussions as their preferred method of learning. A common concern of FY1 doctors was a lack of senior support. Conclusions Confidence levels were higher pre-rotation with the cohort that received the surgical handbook. Targeted case-based discussions may support increasing confidence through the rotation