Procedural training for the management of superficial venous insufficiency: A survey of Rouleaux Club members

Abstract

Introduction In 2012, the Rouleaux Club published their survey claiming large deficits in venous training. Since then vascular surgery has become its own specialty with a dedicated section of the curriculum for superficial venous intervention. The aim of this study was to assess whether the introduction of the new curriculum has improved current Rouleaux Club members training in superficial venous intervention. Method A trainee designed survey was developed and distributed to UK vascular surgery trainees in summer 2017. Results We received 55 (41.0%) responses. Training in endovenous procedures was available to 100% of trainees, and open surgery was only available to 43.2% of trainees; 86.5% of centres used endovenous procedures as the default intervention Only 75.7% of respondents were timetabled for dedicated superficial venous intervention lists; 72.7% have not received any formal training in duplex ultrasonography. Higher self-reported procedural competence was associated with greater numbers of procedures rather than training grade seniority. Conclusion It seems that despite a separate curriculum there are still self-reported trainee deficits in competence and skills. Low respondent levels (41%) should be considered but there is a potential problem for future venous practice.