A perspective on paediatric surgical training: opportunities and challenges

Patel, Nirav; Loveland, Jerome

doi:10.17159/2078-5151/2018/v56n1a2251

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…The rainbow nation possesses some of world's biggest trauma units, where hundreds of patients are managed everyday by registrars of numerous surgical and other disciplines [6]. On the contrary in developed countries, residents are rarely involved as first operator in managing adult emergencies or pediatric cases, with a huge lack of experience in such important fields [14][15][16][17][18]. This aspect, while attractive in itself may also lead to some degree of stress on the less-supervised trainees in the South African scenario [19,20].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Surgical Training in South Africa: An Overview and Attempt to Assess the Training System from the Perspective of Foreign Trainees

et al. 2019

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Background Currently, there are no objective reports evaluating the quality of the South African surgical training. The aim of this study is to evaluate the current state of surgical training in South Africa from an external impartial point of view and to rate the experience of short-term supernumerary registrars and fellows (STSRF) within the South African training system. Methods A 29-item survey was distributed via e-mail and social media to non-South African trainees who worked in South Africa as STSRF for a period of at least 1 month during the past 5 years. The survey evaluated the surgical, clinical and academic training received during their elective period in a South African department. Results Sixty-four STSRF replied to the survey. Sixty-two percent of STSRF attended a trauma unit during their experience. For the majority of respondents, open and emergency surgical exposure, as well as experience as first surgeon, is significantly higher in the South African system, while minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery exposure is significantly less. Research project involvement is significantly less, for the STSRF, as opposed to lectures and teaching that constitute a higher percentage. No significant difference was found regarding exposure to hands-on activities. Conclusions The South African system still provides excellent surgical and clinical exposure as well as teaching. However, minimally invasive surgery training and research are generally lacking for the STSRF. Exchange programs between South African and developed country institutes should be improved and encouraged in order to gain mutual benefits.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Surgical Training in South Africa: An Overview and Attempt to Assess the Training System from the Perspective of Foreign Trainees

et al. 2019

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“…The majority of general surgery trainees felt they had insufficient operative supervision and protected academic time due to overwhelming clinical duties [7]. This is in keeping with training in a developing world context with less structured training programmes and less protected academic time due to a shortage of health care workers with burgeoning clinical needs [7,8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 90%

Paediatric Surgery training in South Africa: Trainees’ perspectives

Jooma

Numanoglu

2020

Pediatr Surg Int

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There is very little documented evidence regarding the training of paediatric surgeons in South Africa since its inception as a formal speciality in 2007. This study aims to assess South African paediatric surgical trainees' perspectives regarding their training. Methods:A prospective study was conducted via an emailed electronic survey. The sample population included all current paediatric surgical trainees in South Africa. The questionnaire covered the trainees' demographics, exposure to different aspects of paediatric surgery, extent of after-hours clinical service, self -reported surgical competency and consultant supervision. Results:Forty one (95%) out of 43 trainees responded to the survey with 29 (71%) being female. Reported training deficits included lack of exposure to burn care in 12 trainees (30%), no urology exposure in 8 (20%), no paediatric trauma or minimally invasive surgery exposure in 6 (15%). Eighteen trainees (44%) reportedly worked more than 65 hours per week with clinical responsibilities being the biggest hindrance to attending academic teaching. Trainees were more comfortable performing open procedures compared to laparoscopic but most respondents felt adequately supervised. Conclusion:There exists a significant heterogeneity amongst the different training institutions with protected academic time and exposure to burns, urology and minimally invasive surgery remaining major obstacles in training.

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