FP5.2 - Skills-fade pilot study, inclusion of Return to Training Trainees in the ST3 General Surgical Bootcamp

Abstract Aims The concept of skills fade after time out of training is well recognised but there is a paucity of objective assessment of this in returning trainees. We sought to assess the utility of inclusion of returning trainees in a bootcamp by measuring performance and confidence. Methods In this pragmatic pilot study 8 General Surgery trainees returning from time out were offered a place on the ST3 Bootcamp of whom 3 agreed to participate. These trainees had been out of programme for a medical education fellowship, non-clinical research and parental leave respectively. Trainees received a 3 day period of intensive reskilling, covering open and laparoscopic skills, proctology, endoscopy, ward round managing the OP list and stressful environment. Their confidence and competence were assessed pre and post Bootcamp completion. Results Returning trainee confidence improved across the board. Trainees fed back that they found the open and laparoscopic simulation sessions most useful. All trainees objectively improved in laparoscopic skills although not in open skills or endoscopy and proctoscopy. The pressure of being assessed may have affected these finding or this may reflect a need for consistency of faculty and a more robust method of objectively assessing competence. Conclusion Inclusion of RTT trainees in surgical bootcamp improves confidence and enhances their return. Simulation should be included in a return to training programme. If objective assessment is used to evaluate their progress then this should be with predefined criteria or computer software to ensure that the evaluation is unbiased.