Training specialist registrars in general surgery: A qualitative study in Tayside

Background: Owing to decreased hours of work and duration of training, there is a need to refashion the training of surgical specialist registrars (SpRs) in the United Kingdom. This requires more guidance for trainers, but consensus regarding good trainer attributes does not exist. This study describes the training practices of Tayside general surgical trainers working with SpRs and highlights good training practice involving technical and patient management skills. Methods: 1) Semi-structured interviews carried out with eighteen consultant trainers and twelve SpRs, 2) Action inquiry (i.e. observations and dialogue with participants) during ward, theatre, outpatient clinic and other hospital-based settings with eleven consultant and SpRs pairs. Results and Conclusion: Participants reflected on multiple training episodes and evaluated their impact. Relatively positive or negative impacts on their skill learning, self-esteem and relationship with the trainee or trainer were described. These are presented and discussed in terms of their implications for equipping trainers with techniques for training registrars and those factors which have hindered the adoption of successful strategies.