The question of geographic regionalisation of Irish surgical training—a Trauma and Orthopaedic surgical trainee perspective
摘要
Geographic distribution of healthcare workers is an issue most countries are challenged with. Regionalisation of surgical training in Ireland has emerged as a hot topic over the past number of years in an effort to address the balance between professional progression, adequacy of surgical training and personal responsibility/circumstance. This issue has been reported on within the NHS, but the way in which it may apply to Irish surgical specialties is now being considered.
Aims and methodsOur aim was to examine the sentiments of Irish Trauma and Orthopaedic trainees towards a number of issues as they pertain to regionalisation of training. We distributed a questionnaire amongst the HST Trauma and Orthopaedic group of trainees and assimilated the results.
ResultsWe found that 69.1% of trainees felt the current structure of the Irish Trauma and Orthopaedic training system was fit for purpose. Ninety percent of respondents said the current structure of the training scheme puts strain on their personal life and work-life balance. When asked if trainees felt that regionalisation of the training programme would benefit their training, 43.9% replied no, 31% yes and 26.2% were unsure. When asked if, overall, the trainee would be in favour of a regionalised training structure for Trauma and Orthopaedics, 43% said ‘No’, 40% said ‘Yes’ and 17% were unsure.
ConclusionAn equilibrium of professional surgical progression, optimal patient care and work-life balance is a goal held in the highest regard amongst key stakeholders of Irish surgical training. The solution amongst the various surgical subspecialties may not be a one-size-fits-all approach in pursuit of the optimisation of this balance. Further engagement of key stakeholders in how surgical training will evolve over time is crucial in order to achieve this.