J Krysa1, M Downes, P Taylor. 1. Department of Surgery, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. jokrysa@aol.com
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine if there is a satisfactory cover for interventional radiology and whether vascular surgeons have received sufficient training in endovascular techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an observational study based on questionnaires sent to radiology and vascular trainers and vascular trainees in England. A total of 50 NHS trusts were chosen randomly to take part in the study and 320 questionnaires were sent out with an overall consultant response rate of 57%. RESULTS: Of vascular consultants in the study group, 53% have had experience in endovascular procedures. Overall, 87% felt that there were not enough radiologists to fulfil the demand and 64% would like further training in endovascular procedures. In addition, 69% would like to be involved in a vascular rota without the general component. Similarly, 81% of radiologists felt that the demand was not being met, as emergency interventional radiology cover was not available on most nights in 65% of the trusts. Of responders, 72% would not object to training of vascular trainees in interventional work and 43% would be happy to be involved in training. Some 33% would accept a vascular trainee for 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Integrated fellowship in vascular surgery and interventional radiology has been implemented and tested in a number of centres in the US. This approach could be implemented in some of the larger vascular units in the UK.
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine if there is a satisfactory cover for interventional radiology and whether vascular surgeons have received sufficient training in endovascular techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an observational study based on questionnaires sent to radiology and vascular trainers and vascular trainees in England. A total of 50 NHS trusts were chosen randomly to take part in the study and 320 questionnaires were sent out with an overall consultant response rate of 57%. RESULTS: Of vascular consultants in the study group, 53% have had experience in endovascular procedures. Overall, 87% felt that there were not enough radiologists to fulfil the demand and 64% would like further training in endovascular procedures. In addition, 69% would like to be involved in a vascular rota without the general component. Similarly, 81% of radiologists felt that the demand was not being met, as emergency interventional radiology cover was not available on most nights in 65% of the trusts. Of responders, 72% would not object to training of vascular trainees in interventional work and 43% would be happy to be involved in training. Some 33% would accept a vascular trainee for 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Integrated fellowship in vascular surgery and interventional radiology has been implemented and tested in a number of centres in the US. This approach could be implemented in some of the larger vascular units in the UK.
Authors: Louis M Messina; Darren B Schneider; Timothy A M Chuter; Linda M Reilly; Robert K Kerlan; Jeane M LaBerge; Mark W Wilson; Ernest J Ring; Roy L Gordon Journal: Ann Surg Date: 2002-10 Impact factor: 12.969