The non-medical workforce and its role in surgical training: Consensus recommendations by the Association of Surgeons in Training.
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.
The Association of Surgeons in Training, 35-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PE, UK. Electronic address: vimal.gokani@gmail.com.
Vimal J
VJ
Gokani
The Association of Surgeons in Training, 35-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PE, UK.
Adam
A
Peckham-Cooper
The Association of Surgeons in Training, 35-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PE, UK.
David
D
Bunting
The Association of Surgeons in Training, 35-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PE, UK.
Andrew J
AJ
Beamish
The Association of Surgeons in Training, 35-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PE, UK.
Adam
A
Williams
The Association of Surgeons in Training, 35-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PE, UK.
Rhiannon L
RL
Harries
The Association of Surgeons in Training, 35-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PE, UK.
D006801:Humans; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002608:Charities; D003479:Curriculum; D007494:Ireland; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000193:education; D019555:Physician-Nurse Relations; D012955:Societies, Medical; D013043:Specialties, Surgical / Q000193:education; D006113:United Kingdom
Education; Non-medical work force; Surgery; Surgical care practitioners; Surgical training