Affiliation:
1. Department of Surgery Northern Health Victoria Australia
2. Department of Surgery Austin Health Victoria Australia
3. Northern Clinical School The University of Melbourne Epping Victoria Australia
Abstract
AbstractPurposeThe COVID‐19 pandemic has caused a major disruption in operative volumes over the last few years, which has directly impacted on surgical training. This study aims to quantify the impact of COVID‐19 and the relevant restrictions on General Surgery trainees in Australia.MethodsLogbook data of General Surgery trainees from 2019 to 2021 was analysed and compared to assess the impact of COVID‐19 on operative numbers and supervision levels during major operations.ResultsThere was a statistically significant reduction in overall operative numbers in Australia, with a decrease of 2.0% in 2020 (IRR 0.980, 95% CI 0.973–0.986, P < 0.001) and 6.8% in 2021 (IRR 0.932, 95% CI 0.926–0.938, P < 0.001). Elective operations reduced by 6.6% in 2020 (IRR 0.934, 95% CI 0.927–0.942, P < 0.001) and 10.3% in 2021 (IRR 0.934, 95% CI 0.927–0.942, P < 0.001). Victoria and NT were the most affected jurisdictions; while hepatobiliary, trauma and surgical oncology were the most affected subspecialties. The proportion of overall primary operating has significantly decreased (41.8% vs. 40.2%, P < 0.001) between 2019 and 2020, and decreased further to 39.7% in 2021.ConclusionThe COVID‐19 pandemic has had an overall negative impact on surgical training in General Surgery. Efforts should be directed at minimizing detraining of trainees and further disruptions to their training.