EP 501 Evaluating the Effect of Our Local Surgical Handbook Versions on Confidence Levels for First Rotation Foundation Year One Doctors Over One Year

Aims

Assess confidence levels of general surgical foundation year one doctors in managing surgical patients at the start of their rotation. Assess the impact of version two (V2) of the surgical handbook introduced in 2024 and version three (V3) introduced in 2025 on confidence levels.

Methods

V2 of the surgical handbook contained 96 pages. V3 contained 97 pages. V2 was given to the August 2024 cohort and V3 to the August 2025 cohort pre-rotation. Ten questions used Likert scales (1 to 5: not at all confident to very confident) to assess general surgical patient management. One question focused on education methods. Data was initially inputted using Google Docs and analysed in Microsoft Excel.

Results

100% (12/12) August 2024 cohort and 83% (10/12) August 2025 cohort completed the survey. 100% (12/12) of August 2024 cohort had read V1 and 80% (8/10) of August 2025 read V1.

Modal confidence scores were higher in the August 2024 cohort for prescribing pre-emptive medications, identifying end of life, prescribing intravenous maintenance fluid and managing a patient with non-specific abdominal pain.

Modal confidence scores were higher in the August 2025 cohort who had read the guide for prescribing intravenous fluids for a deteriorating patient and speaking with a dying patients family.

Educational method of teaching for both cohorts was group-based discussion.

Conclusions

The handbook has supported confidence levels in managing general surgical patients. Confidence levels were higher in more areas pre-rotation with V2 compared to V3 of the surgical handbook.