Abstract

Objectives: To determine whether a six-week orthopaedic surgical skills course could increase resident skills and confidence before transitioning to registrar practice.

Methods: Unaccredited registrars, orthopaedic trainees, and orthopaedic consultants, through a departmental peer-reviewed process and survey, developed a six-session course (“Registrar Academy”) that included basic knowledge and essential practical skills training for residents with interest in becoming orthopaedic registrars. Mixed method quantitative and qualitative evidence was sought via a 14-item and 18-item Likert scale questionnaire coupled with open-ended questions.

Results: Results were qualitatively synthesised using quantitative and qualitative data. Thirteen residents participated in the course. All residents agreed to statements indicating they felt unprepared to work as an orthopaedic registrar and were not confident in performing various core tasks required. After completing the course, residents indicated greater confidence or comfort in all these areas and felt better prepared for the transition to registrar. There was broad approval of the course among participants. Every participant who completed the final questionnaire agreed or strongly agreed that they enjoyed the course and that it taught usable, reproducible practical skills and increased their orthopaedic knowledge. This group also uniformly agreed or strongly agreed that the course improved their patient care and patient safety.

Conclusion: Residents feel unprepared for their transition to an orthopaedic registrar and lack confidence in several core competencies. A supplemental “Registrar Academy” is an effective way to improve knowledge, confidence, and practical skills for residents wishing to transition to a registrar position.

Keywords: Residents; Registrar academy; Orthopaedic registrar; Orthopaedic knowledge

Abbreviations: ATLS: Advance Trauma Life Support; PGY: Post Graduate Year