Table 2 Factors identified by TPDs and trainees contributing to the decision to leave higher specialist vascular surgery training. TPDs identified work-life balance and geographical factors as factors influencing trainees’ decision to leave training. Issues related to system pressures within the NHS or UK training system, such as high workload and demands of service provision over training, were not mentioned by TPDs, suggesting a lack of awareness of the contribution of these factors
TPDs | Trainees | |
|---|---|---|
Geography | ||
Availability of an academic career | ✓ | ✓ |
Family/social reasons to change region | ✓ | ✓ |
Work-life balance | ||
Unpredictable hours | ✗ | ✓ |
Fatigue | ✓ | ✓ |
Time spent with family | ✓ | ✓ |
Non-clinical work (research/governance) | ✓ | ✓ |
Long commutes | ✗ | ✓ |
System pressures | ||
Managing multiple tasks | ✗ | ✓ |
Lack of senior/junior support | ✗ | ✓ |
Service provision prioritized over training | ✗ | ✓ |
Lack of satisfied/fulfilled role models | ✗ | ✓ |
Money | ✓ | ✗ |
Health | ✓ | ✗ |