O8 Simulation training for transitional induction for surgical trainees

Aim The aim of this simulation programme is to allow deanery-wide induction for clinical and human factors education for trainees progressing through their surgical career. Method Foundation trainees transitioning to Core Surgical training; and Core Surgical trainees progressing to Specialist training, underwent a mandatory and protected three day induction. This served both as an educational and pastoral training event to trainees. The three-day induction incorporated simulation training for management of the critically unwell surgical patient, simulation of surgical skills using porcine tissue and cadaveric materials, and simulation training in human factors. Results Overwhelmingly trainees felt objectively more confident in transitioning to their new roles within the deanery. Trainees reported a significant increase in confidence of assessment (p = 0.016) and management (p = 0.001) of trauma patients, and a perceived increase in technical skill ability (p = 0.04). Interestingly the human factors simulated training showed an increase in leadership (p = 0.022) and situational awareness and impact of stress (p = 0.022). Discussion We present our findings from these successful transitional induction-training schemes; incorporating simulation training for challenging clinical and non-clinical scenarios that trainees face when progressing to a new stage in their training. We suggest that this model could be incorporated to involve pan-specialty training and could be a recognised area to be developed in other specialties.