Training specialist registrars in general surgery: a qualitative study in Tayside

Background: Owing to decreased hours of work and duration of training, ther e is a need to refashion the training of surgical specialist registrars (Sp Rs) in the United Kingdom, This requires more guidance for trainers, but co nsensus regarding good trainer attributes does not exist, This study descri bes the training practices of Tayside general surgical trainers working wit h SpRs and highlights good training practice involving technical and patien t management skills. Methods: 1) Semi-structured interviews carried out wit h eighteen consultant trainers and twelve SpRs, 2) Action inquiry (i,e. obs ervations and dialogue with participants) during ward, theatre, outpatient clinic and other hospital-based settings with eleven consultant and SpRs pa irs. Results and Conclusion: Participants reflected on multiple training ep isodes and evaluated their impact, Relatively positive or negative impacts on their skill learning, self-esteem and relationship with the trainee or t rainer were described, These are presented and discussed in terms of their implications for equipping trainers with techniques for training registrars and those factors which have hindered the adoption of successful strategie s.