1085 The Core Surgical Training Attainment (CoSTA) Study: Analysis of Differential Attainment in Early Surgical Training Using the UK Medical Education Database (UKMED)
Z Vinnicombe, D Smith, M Little, J Super, M Gunnee, R Anakwe- Surgery
Abstract
Aim
Core Surgical Training (CST) represents the earliest rung of the surgical training ladder. The CoSTA study aims to outline demographic differences in attainment in this cohort of applicants using the UK Medical Education database (UKMED).
Method
As part of a retrospective, longitudinal cohort study, using data available from UKMED, CST applications for 3,365 doctors who were F2 between 2013 and 2016 were analysed. Univariate analyses were conducted, followed by a logistic regression model that included the statistically significant variables from the univariate analyses. The outcome measure was successfully obtaining a place on a CST programme.
Results
Univariate analysis found that a lower proportion of black candidates had successful applications (54% compared to 68% for white N = 3,365, P <0.001). Applicants whose parents had attended university were more likely to be successful (67% compared to 59% N = 3,365, P <0.001). Logistic regression found that white applicants were 1.26 times more likely to be successful and applicants whose parents went to university were 1.20 times more likely to be successful (N = 1,935). The model controlled for other relevant variables including applicant behaviour (only applying to CST), medical school attended and performance at medical school (deciles in the Educational Performance Measure).
Conclusions
There is evidence of differential attainment in those applying for the CST programme. It is vital that this information is highlighted to those responsible for the training pathway so these issues can be addressed.