title: Trauma training in New Zealand: A survey of General Surgical trainees.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The surgical management of trauma is an important aspect of training in general surgery. The aim of this study is to assess the current levels of experience in trauma management and attitudes towards adequacy of exposure amongst current trainees in New Zealand.
  
  
  METHODS
  An anonymous survey assessing experience in trauma management posted to all New Zealand general surgical trainees in Surgical Education and Training (SET) years two to five.
  
  
  RESULTS
  21 of 62 trainees responded. There was little correlation between SET levels or months of registrar experience and number of operations performed, which ranged from 0 to 22. 81% of trainees felt their exposure to trauma operations was inadequate. The average supervision rate for operating was 73%. The majority of trainees showed an interest in trauma with 76% replying yes, with four answering maybe, and one no. 100% of trainees felt that training in trauma was at least somewhat important.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Experience and training in trauma care is very important but currently inadequate to allow the safe delivery of surgical treatment for injured patients by well-trained surgeons. Surgical training needs to be reorganised, using all available clinical and simulation resources to ensure this critical skills area is maintained for all trainees.
authors.affiliation: MB ChB, Surgical Registrar, Trauma Services, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Hannah
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hurst
authors.affiliation: Consultant Surgeon Trauma Services, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Civil
authors.affiliation: Consultant Surgeon, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand. LiH@adhb.govt.nz.
authors.forename: Li
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hsee
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002321:Career Choice; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand; D012647:Self-Assessment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014194:Traumatology / Q000193:education*