The non-medical workforce and its role in surgical training: Consensus recommendations by the Association of Surgeons in Training

• Published in: International journal of surgery (London, England) Vol. 36; pp. S14 - S19
• Main Authors: Gokani, Vimal J, Peckham-Cooper, Adam, Bunting, David, Beamish, Andrew J, Williams, Adam, Harries, Rhiannon L
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.11.2016
• Subjects: Attitude of Health Personnel; Charities; Curriculum; Education; Humans; Ireland; Non-medical work force; Nurse Practitioners - education; Physician-Nurse Relations; Societies, Medical; Specialties, Surgical - education; Surgery; Surgical care practitioners; Surgical training; United Kingdom; Non-Medical Workforce; Foundation Doctor; ASiT; Surgical care practitioners; Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme; Association of Surgeons in Training; National Health Service; Str; CT; Non-medical work force; FY; Education; CCT; ISCP; Surgery; NHS; NMW; Core Trainee; Specialist Trainee; Surgical training; Certificate of Completion of Training
• ISSN: 1743-9191; 1743-9159
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2016.09.090

Abstract Changes in the delivery of the healthcare structure have led to the expansion of the non-medical workforce (NMW). The non-medical practitioner in surgery (a healthcare professional without a medical degree who undertakes specialist training) is a valuable addition to a surgical firm. However, there are a number of challenges regarding the successful widespread implementation of this role. This paper outlines a number of these concerns, and makes recommendations to aid the realisation of the non-medical practitioner as a normal part of the surgical team. In summary, the Association of Surgeons in Training welcomes the development of the non-medical workforce as part of the surgical team in order to promote enhanced patient care and improved surgical training opportunities. However, establishing a workforce of independent/semi-independent practitioners who compete for the same training opportunities as surgeons in training may threaten the UK surgical training system, and therefore the care of our future patients.