Navigating surgical training: a game of trust

Adarsh Shah*, Kim Walker, Lorraine Hawick, Kenneth Walker, Jennifer Cleland

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalAbstractpeer-review

Abstract

Introduction
One premise of the Improved Surgical Training (IST) pilot is delivery of better quality of early years surgical training. However, the quality of the trainee-trainer relationship can positively or negatively impact trainees’ experiences of the specialty. Trust is a key determinant of the relationship, which is influenced by trainers’ level of risk aversion and trainees’ motivation. Game theory provides a framework to understand cooperation amongst rational ‘players’. This study explores how trainee-trainer relationships impact trainees’ experiences through the IST curricular reform.

Methods
Using a qualitative case study approach, data were obtained from interviews with core surgical trainees across Scotland. Data coding and inductive thematic analysis were undertaken.

Results
Forty-six trainees participated. Trainees and trainers regularly interacting in clinical activities demonstrated growing levels of trust, aided by: specialty rotations of 6 months or more duration, working at junior registrar level with structured weekly clinical activities and direct consultant supervision, individual goal-setting and regular progress check, and meaningful and timely feedback. Cooperative relationships led to individual fulfilment, growth, and trainee autonomy. Factors hindering development of trust included: temporal and/or geographical distance between trainee-trainer, poor communication and understanding of expectations and training needs, and lack of interest and enthusiasm from either party.

Conclusion
Cohesive trainee-trainer relationships demonstrated cooperative equilibrium; both trainees and trainers met each other’s expectations and positively impacted on trainees’ experiences. On the contrary, ‘players’ in relationships deficient in trust achieved the minimum to ensure trainee progression. Addressing factors fostering a cooperative trainee-trainer relationship positively impacts trainees’ experiences.
Original languageEnglish
Article numberznab361.027
Number of pages2
JournalBritish Journal of Surgery
Volume108
Issue numberSupplement 7
Early online date7 Oct 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Oct 2021
EventAssociation of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (ASGBI) Future Surgery conference 2021 - Virtual
Duration: 4 May 20218 May 2021

Keywords

  • surgical training
  • Game theory
  • FEEDBACK
  • Risk aversion
  • Curricula

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