SP3.06 Improving Confidence of FY Doctors in Management of Surgical Patients: A Simulation Project

Aim Over the last 3 years we have established a simulation and skills programme for FY doctors and students including US cannulation, management of unwell surgical patients, surgical skills and minor lesions. We aimed this year to establish a cohesive approach with a “bank” of formal teaching courses where FYs can become an instructor for a course to promote near-peer learning and team working. Methods We had already written a book of clinical scenarios for simulation practice with author input from interested FYs. We recruited FYs from subsequent rotations to write new scenarios and test them. We did this by including the opportunity in the induction. We encouraged inclusion of specialty interest which could help with later applications, eg surgical presentation in a gynae patient. We also did an email canvas for sign up to become instructors. We communicated with the MedEd department to formalise our process into one stream. Feedback is obtained at every session and shared periodically with MedEd and Clinical Directors. Results FY doctors reported an increase in their confidence in every post course feedback so far. A recent focussed feedback group of 6 doctors revealed that near peer teaching improves confidence in day to day management of surgical emergencies and promotes wellbeing and job satisfaction as well as interest in surgery. Conclusion Encouraging FY doctors to participate in simulation teaching and skills teaching increases overall confidence in managing unwell patients and promotes skill acquisition for a variety of career interests including surgery, anaesthetics and obstetrics.