Surgical Education for Pressure Injuries: A Survey of What Residents are Learning in Ontario.

Background

The optimal surgical management of complex pressure injuries (PIs) relies on adequate education during residency. However, both classroom-based and clinical exposure to these injuries may be inconsistent across training programs. This study aimed to evaluate Ontario surgical residents' exposure to PI management and identify deficiencies in current curricula.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was developed and distributed to general, orthopaedic, and plastic surgery residents across Ontario. The survey collected data on didactic and clinical exposure to PI management, confidence in debridement and reconstruction, and perceptions of current training. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and comparisons between surgical specialties.

Results

Forty-nine responses were obtained (response rate = 14%). Results demonstrated limited didactic and clinical exposure to PI management in nonplastic surgery residency programs. Most nonplastic surgery residents did not anticipate feeling comfortable performing PI debridement as part of their future practice following residency completion. In contrast, plastic surgery residents reported greater confidence in performing debridement but lacked confidence in selecting appropriate surgical candidates for reconstruction.

Conclusions

Exposure to PI reconstruction for plastic surgery residents appears to be limited. Both nonplastic and plastic surgery residents expressed strong interest in additional educational initiatives focused on the surgical management of PIs. This study highlights the need for enhanced educational opportunities, including structured curricula and increased clinical exposure, to ensure surgical trainees develop the necessary competencies for managing PIs effectively.