FP6.1 - Core Surgical Training in Northern Ireland: Regional Compliance with Quality Indicators

Abstract Aims Standards for training programmes are set by the GMC, with the Joint Committee for Surgical Training developing a curriculum and quality indicators (QIs) specific to Core Surgical Training. To ensure local training fits within these guidelines, placement quality is evaluated by NIMDTA, using specialty specific surveys sent to all Core Trainees in the region. Methods A survey, related to their current post, was sent to all Core Trainees in Northern Ireland. The responses were collated and cross-referenced against the 14 generic QIs for Core Surgery in order to assess compliance with published standards. Results Response rate from trainees was 70%. Compliance with the quality indicators was generally poor; 24% of trainees reported receiving the recommended 2 hours per week of formal teaching, 59% were able to complete a quality improvement project, 83% of trainees completed a learning agreement within the recommended 6 weeks from post commencement, 21% reported adequate exposure to simulation training and only 11% reported attending the expected one or more MDT meetings per week. Conclusions The level of adherence to the QIs for core surgery in Northern Ireland could be significantly improved. Despite some themes achieving a majority response in line with the QIs, overall alignment is poor. Subsequently we have developed key recommendations for focused improvement in the local Core Training programme in NI in an effort to better align our training with the JCST QI framework. A further survey will be conducted to assess the effect of these recommendations on compliance with JCST QIs.