“I'm on an island”: A qualitative study of underperforming surgical trainee perspectives on remediation

There is a significant gap in the literature regarding trainees' perceptions of remediation. This study aims to explore surgical trainees' experiences and perspectives of remediation. This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with 11 doctors who have experienced formal remediation as a surgical trainee. Reflexive thematic analysis was used for data analysis. In this study, trainees perceived remediation as a harrowing and isolating experience, with long-lasting emotions. There was a perceived lack of clarity regarding explanations of underperformance and subjective goals. Remediation was viewed as a ‘performance’ and tick-box exercise with superficial plans, with challenging trainee/supervisor dynamics. These findings about trainees' perspectives on remediation show a need for trainees to be better emotionally supported during remediation and that remediation plans must be improved to address deficits. Integrating the perspectives and experiences of surgical trainees who have undergone remediation should help improve remediation outcomes and patient care. •Trainees felt remediation was a harrowing and isolating experience, with long-lasting emotions.•There was a perceived lack of clarity regarding explanations of performance and subjective goals.•Remediation was viewed as a ‘performance’ and a tick-box exercise with superficial plans.•These findings suggest that trainees need better emotional support during remediation.