520 Training in Electrocautery, Too Hot to Handle?

Abstract Introduction The use of electrical energy has become common practice in surgery. Although electrocautery is deemed safe, arguably its safety is dependent on the level of knowledge among its users. The primary aim of this study is to assess what level of knowledge surgeons in Wales, UK have on the safe use of electrocautery. Method A survey was carried out involving 61 surgical doctors across 6 different health boards in Wales. The survey was implemented using an anonymous questionnaire distributed via online and by hard copy. Results Of the 61 doctors surveyed, 9.8% had not received any form of training on electrocautery. 54.5% of those who had training, had this through supervision or teaching in operating rooms during live operating. 37% of participants did not know the difference between bipolar and monopolar electrocautery. 77% of the participants expressed an interest in specific training to help increase the level of education and the safe use of electrocautery. Discussion This study shows that a gap still exists in the training and education of surgeons on the use of electrocautery. Electrocautery has the potential to cause harm and more needs to be done to improve education around this topic to ensure patient and user safety.