Posters

A survey examining ophthalmology trainees experience and opinion of cataract surgery in a large English deanery

Poster Details

First Author: S.Kaur UK

Co Author(s):    K. Kent, Surrey, Sussex Ophthalmic Network (KSSON)                    

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To assess variation in trainees experience and perceptions of cataract surgery in light of the new junior doctor contract of 2016 which resulted in a set of new working hours limits and rest requirements that have a potential negative impact on surgical training. Additionally, to explore the influence of Independent Sector Treatment Centres (ISTC) and outsourcing of cataract surgeries on training. Also, to ascertain trainees satisfaction with their cataract surgery training and any identify any cause for concern.

Setting:

This online survey was carried out in the Kent, Surrey and Sussex (KSS) deanery in the UK (UK) as part of the KSS Ophthalmic Network (KSSON) trainee-led research initiative. There are 34 trainees of varying grades within this deanery across a large geographical area of the south of England.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was carried out with the use of Google documents survey link sent to all 34 trainees in the deanery on the 8th of February 2020. The responses were anonymised to encourage trainees to participate and subsequently they were requested to confirm if they had completed the survey to be identified as a collaborator. They were asked varying questions about their cumulative cataract surgical experience to date and within the 6 month period of August 2019 to January 2020 as a representation of one clinical rotations worth of cataract surgery experience.

Results:

The response rate was 47% (16/34). Individual cumulative cataract surgeries ranged from zero to over 600 cases. 85% of trainees had 1 cataract theatre on average per week. 43.8% of trainees operated on 41-60 cases of cataracts in a rotation whilst 25% undertook extra cases in their admin session. ISTC and outsourcing was present according to 50% of trainees and 27.3% felt it negatively affected their training. Following a weekend on call 68.8% trainees were granted a rest day and consequently 60% have missed 2-4 operating sessions. However, 18.8% still performed cataract surgery on their rest day.

Conclusions:

Overall, 62.5% trainees were satisfied with their progress and unconcerned about achieving the target 350 cataracts as per the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. However, 62.5% of trainees felt that the target was insufficient and 50% trainees believe it should be increased to 501-600. Some trainees carried out cataract surgery during their admin/rest session to increase their experience and accumulate cases from perceived lack of opportunity otherwise. Cataract surgery training is a contentious issue not just in the UK and every effort must be made to ensure we are preparing ophthalmologists for the patients they will treat in the future.

Financial Disclosure:

None