A survey of competency-based training of senior house officers in performing minor surgical procedures

INTRODUCTION The aim of this survey was to ascertain the level of competency and training of basic surgical trainees (SHOs) in performing incision and drainage of a perianal abscess (a minor surgical procedure). MATERIALS AND METHODS Questionnaires were sent to SHOs enquiring about preferred methods of incision and drainage and the teaching received to perform this procedure. RESULTS Of respondent SHOs, 10% did not receive teaching when performing their first incision and drainage and over half did not received any feedback from their trainers. A mere 65% received practical supervision. Use of the curette and de-roofing of the abscess are not routine methods used. In addition, 13% reported inadequate incision and drainage, which required a second procedure. CONCLUSIONS Competency-based training in minor surgical procedures benefits not only from didactic teaching, immediate supervision and appraisal but also from frequent practise. This was found to be lacking for incision and drainage of perianal abscesses by basic surgical trainees surveyed in the study.