Is Resident Training Safe In Cardiac Surgery

Abstract Background There exists a knowledge gap regarding the safety of training in cardiac surgery. The purpose of this analysis was to establish the safety of resident training in cardiac surgery and compare the results of the trainee cases to those performed by consultants. Methods 5894 (trainee=3343 vs consultant=2551) major cardiac operations (EuroSCORE 30 days, deep sternal infection, new hemodialysis, new stroke or transient ischemic attack, in-hospital death or reoperation. Observations were propensity matched to consultant or trainee with the 16 co-variates. Results Trainees performed 56.7% of cases. Multivariate analysis identified renal disease (OR 2.93, CI;1.3, 6.7, p 30 days (trainee; 4.2% versus consultant; 9.9%, p=0.001). Conclusions Resident training is safe in cardiac surgery without compromising the quality of patient care.