OTU-15 BSG trainees section survey 2020 – the impact of COVID-19 on UK gastroenterology training

Abstract

IntroductionThe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted training during the initial peak and partial recovery. Gastroenterology higher speciality training (HST) is reaching an inflection point with a reduction from five years to four. The potential compound impact is a source of concern for HSTs. The BSG Trainees Section biennial survey 2020 aimed to delineate the impact of COVID-19 and opinions on changes to training.MethodsAn electronic survey allowing for anonymised responses at the point of completion was distributed to all gastroenterology HSTs over a three month period from September to November 2020.ResultsIn total, 349 trainees completed the survey (response rate of 51% of 687 HSTs) with representation across all regions. 89%(307/344) of responders were full time trainees and 39%(136/349) female. There was a reduction in access to clinics;48.4%(169/349) reported due to general internal medicine (GIM) duties and 26.6% (93/349) due to reduction in available clinics. Reduction in experience in gastroenterology referrals were also mainly limited by GIM commitments (42.4%) (148/349). No endoscopy training occurred for 88.5(170/192)% of trainees at the peak. Recovery of training lists was reported by 67.3(175/260)% of responders in late summer yet 20.6(72/349)% reported training lists were still ‘not allowed’ in their trust. 71.0 (206/290)% of responders reported their time was predominantly taken by GIM, with 42.1 (110/261)% considering the need to extend their CCT date to compensate for this. 49.0%(128/261) of respondents were considering time out of programme or fellowships and 28.3 (74/261)% considering it in the future. The majority of responders reported virtual or online teaching was provided during the peak of the pandemic.Considering future training;96.8%(245/253) of respondents stated gastroenterology HSTs should have 1 year experience on a GI bleed rota, however only 21.3 (55/258)% reported having experience of this formally during training. 68.8%(174/253) of responders supported the idea of blocks of GIM training during HST to protect gastroenterology training. The majority of trainees (84.2%)(213/253) reported they would not feel ready to be a consultant after 4 years of HST. 46.7(122/261)% of responders would stop GIM training if given the opportunity.ConclusionsIn all aspects of gastroenterology training surveyed, more than half of training time was lost during the pandemic. This included training beyond endoscopy to other aspects of GI work including clinics and referrals. This is mirrored in anticipated concerns about completion of training and the perceived future competence as a consultant at the end of a 4 year higher training programme. Work is now required to ensure training trajectories are restored following the COVID-19 pandemic.