Background
A 2020 paper outlining the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PRS) workforce by the author concluded we have a significant maldistribution of Plastic Surgeons in New Zealand. Currently, PRS services are provided from four tertiary centres in large metropolitan areas and three smaller metropolitan or large regional centres. This has resulted in inequitable access to PRS services, especially in provincial areas. To improve equitable healthcare delivery, more PRS specialists are needed to live and work in these areas. We gauged from future PRS Specialists if this was a career aim and barriers to working regionally.
Method
An anonymous online survey was sent out to all pre-SET and SET 1-5 PRS trainees and PRS trainees who have obtained FRACS within the last two years. Demographic data was collected in addition to future career intentions and reasons behind these.
Results
26 pre-SET, SET or recently post SET PRS Trainees answered the survey with an even gender split. No trainees identified as coming from a rural background however 54% had worked in a regional centre before. The majority (84%) planned to work in the four main centres after completing FRACS/fellowship. The three most attractive small centres to work in were Hawkes Bay, Nelson and Queenstown/Wanaka. 72% said it was very important or essential to have another PRS Specialist in the same centre and availability of quality schooling/childcare was a high priority.
Discussion
The majority of future PRS Specialists are planning on working in a major metropolitan area and have highlighted barriers to living in a regional centre which needs to be taken into consideration during workforce planning discussions.
Conclusion
This survey provides a useful insight into specific needs which could be addressed to encourage regional PRS workforce development. This is needed to reduce future inequitable access of PRS services.