Reshaping surgical specialist training in small animal surgery during and after the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract Objective To assess the perceived effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on small animal surgical specialist training, among trainees and supervisors and to propose changes, based upon the results, that could be incorporated into training programs. Study Design Anonymous online questionnaire survey. Sample Population Eighty‐one eligible responses were collected in September 2020, including 52 European College of Veterinary Surgeons (ECVS) residents and 29 ECVS Diplomates acting as supervisors. Methods Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Fisher's exact test was used to test for significance. Results A reduction in surgical case load was reported by 82% (n = 66/81) of respondents, with 82% (n = 54/66) of those believing that COVID‐19 had a mild‐to‐moderate impact on training. Compared to supervisors, residents were less likely to feel that appropriate guidance, a safe working environment, and measures to preserve training had been provided (p < .01). Only 45% (n = 22/49) of residents reported confidence with performing teleconsultations. Ninety percent (n = 73/81) of respondents considered online “case presentations” and “edited surgical video footage” as a positive ancillary tool. Conclusion COVID‐19 has resulted in a reduction in case load and training for the majority of residents. A discrepancy between the opinions of residents and supervisors was noted on various aspects of COVID‐19 related effects. Impact Open communication, as well as the use of additional training tools through digital platforms may help to preserve safe and effective training during times of decreased clinical activity. While this study has focused on surgical specialist training, the results could be applied to other disciplines.


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Of the free text responses provided at the end of the survey, notable comments included the 189 impact that COVID-19 has had on the ability to complete additional training elements (n=3)

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(eg: rotations in other disciplines) and presentations at conferences (n=2). One respondent 191 expressed concern over a lack of direction and communication from the overarching training 192 organization. be considered by institutions. Furthermore, the use of these tools could continue to prove 279 beneficial in the long term, even after the pandemic. There was great positivity towards the use 280 of web-based teaching sessions, such as case presentations, with a majority of respondents also 281 stating that edited surgical videos paired with live discussion would be beneficial to training.

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The acquisition and provision of material is key to constructing these learning tools and should 283 be seen as a task to implement as soon as possible. Although not novel, the author's institution 284 has recently started to use sterile cases for camera phones to allow for intra-operative 285 photography and videography to be performed. This allows for the capture of higher quality 286 footage, compared to a non-sterile assistant attempting to capture images from a distance. This  Whilst positive influences can be evident, it is important to recognize potential concerns that 312 may arise as a result of implemented changes. Our survey highlighted a concern with the 313 provision of remote supervision to residents, with the majority of respondents being unsure 314 about or against it in principle, a finding echoed in the study by Ferrara et al. 6 . We believe 315 that the provision of in-person mentoring delivered in a socially distanced manner for residents of the pandemic and in future planning of strategies. We believe that the early implementation 334 of proposed strategies discussed in this paper, are crucial to ensure continued provision of high-335 quality training, particularly in light of a long-term co-existence with the virus.

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Limitations of the study were consistent with those often seen in survey-based questionnaires.

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The response rate has yielded a relatively small sample size but is in keeping with expectations 338 of online surveys. The survey was also not able to discriminate or pair responses that were 339 arising from one center with multiple residents, or residents whose supervisors also responded, also resulted in overlap of responses, causing a falsely high response rate to certain questions.

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Responses presented in the survey could also be affected by a negative bias with respondents 343 who have concerns or problems with their residency being more likely to complete the survey.

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Therefore, the concerns raised may be unique to an individual and less applicable to a larger 345 audience. This is particularly important to consider with regards to the free text responses.

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Differences in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic by individual governments mean 347 that regional and international variations likely exist and must be considered by the reader when

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Whilst this study has focused on the specialist training of ECVS small animal surgical 360 residents, we hope that the findings of this study can be made applicable to readers in different 361 educational settings, from those in other specialist disciplines, those undertaking certificate 362 level studies and even undergraduate veterinary and veterinary nursing training.      We invite all registered residents in small animal surgery and resident supervisors to participate in a short online survey to share your experiences and thoughts on the impact of COVID-19 on surgical training programmes. The survey aims to assess the effect of the pandemic, as well as to explore the methods used to overcome the challenges faced.
This independent research survey is conducted by REDACTED. Results will be made available to the veterinary community via timely scientific publication and are expected to benefit the individual resident and programme supervisor, as well as training institutions and overarching organisations. Please feel free to contact REDACTED with any questions or comments you may have regarding this survey.
Participation will be anonymous and will take no more than 10 minutes to complete. Completion and return of the questionnaire will indicate your willingness to participate in this study. Deadline for responses is Tuesday, 6th October 2020.
Please click this link to start the survey: [Hyperlink] Many thanks in advance for your participation, especially during these busy and unprecedented times!