Are our Trainees receiving the appropriate level of Consultant supervision for surgical procedures during their different stages of SET training?
Current New Zealand Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Consultants and Trainees were surveyed to assess the appropriate level of consultant supervision during the different stages of SET training. Part 1 asked participants their opinion on the level of supervision provided by consultants to trainees during selected surgical procedures, at three phases of SET training. Part 2 asked whether they agreed with the current PRS Curriculum recommendations for these same procedures.
Key surgical procedures were selected from the current PRS Curriculum for each of the three phases of PRS training: Early (SET 1-2), Mid (SET 3-4), and Late (SET 5). Participants were asked their opinion on recommended supervision levels based on the four categories of supervision: “direct guidance”, “monitoring and supervision”, “minimal or no supervision”, or “safe and competent for most situations”. This was then compared to the current recommendations outlined in the PRS Curriculum.
The survey was sent to all current PRS trainees (SET 1-5) as well as those who had recently completed training in the past two years and all Consultants involved in supervision of trainees in public hospital Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Responses were voluntary and anonymous.
Our results share an insight into the expectations and understanding from both trainee and consultant perspectives. This information is important since we continue to follow our traditional approach to surgical training while the Australian Plastic Surgeons have moved to a competency based approach. Our survey results will facilitate evaluation of our current methods as we consider whether we should move towards the Australian model of competency based surgical training.