Step up your surgical responsibility: clinical skills and confident decision-making 01E

This course is designed primarily for surgeons at ST3 or SAS‑equivalent level who are preparing for increased clinical and on‑call responsibility.

Surgeons at CT2 level who want to prepare for the responsibilities expected at this stage may also attend.

After completing the full course, you will be able to: 

• articulate and prepare for the increased clinical and leadership responsibilities associated with an ST3-level or SAS-equivalent role;
• assess skill competence in performing the specific technical skills, including emergency general and laparoscopic procedures;
• discuss the role of the clinician in decision-making and practice communication skills that support safe patient care; 
• practice basic instructional techniques, including feedback, and recognise opportunities to develop a training role within a professional context; 
• outline the principles of robotic-assisted surgery and bedside assist.

This is a practical programme built around simulation, case‑based discussion and facilitated group discussion, with structured reflection embedded throughout. You will work in small groups, rotating through realistic clinical scenarios and technical skills stations, supported by experienced faculty who provide real‑time feedback and guided debriefs. 

Designed by a diverse group of clinicians, including surgeons who have recently stepped into these roles alongside experienced consultants, the course reflects both the challenges encountered during this transition and the expectations placed on you as responsibility increases. It focuses on developing confidence, judgement and professional identity in high‑pressure and on‑call environments. 

The course is structured around four integrated modules, each focusing on a key area of senior surgical responsibility: 

General surgery in emergencies

Focuses on safe, timely decision‑making and core operative principles in emergency general surgery. You will explore risk assessment, evidence‑based practice, and hands‑on simulation of essential emergency procedures, supporting readiness for senior on‑call roles.

Laparoscopic surgery in emergencies 

Develops confidence in laparoscopic decision‑making and technical skills for emergency settings. Through simulation and case‑based discussion, you will practise operative planning, theatre set‑up, and key emergency laparoscopic techniques, with structured feedback to support progression. 

Communication, confidence, and clinical decision‑making

Supports your transition into senior decision‑making roles by strengthening your communication skills under pressure. Using realistic scenarios, structured frameworks, and guided reflection, this module helps you communicate clearly, manage uncertainty, and build confidence when making and escalating clinical decisions. 

Communication and teamwork in robotic surgery

Prepares you for effective teamwork and communication in robotic surgery, with a focus on the bedside assistant role and emergency scenarios. You will develop situational awareness, practise structured communication, and understand how teamworking and clear roles contribute to safe robotic practice.

Pre-course e-learning

Before attending, you will complete pre‑course learning that introduces the core themes of the course and prepares you for the in‑person modules. This includes an electronic reflective workbook, background theory, and frameworks used throughout the course, allowing you to maximise hands‑on learning time during the face‑to‑face sessions.

In-person course format

The in‑person elements are delivered through a combination of simulation‑based technical skills training, role‑play scenarios, and facilitated group discussions.

Activities include emergency laparoscopic and open surgical skills, structured communication exercises, and decision‑making scenarios designed to mirror real on‑call practice. Faculty provide structured feedback using recognised models and skills checklists to support learning and reflection.

Follow-up learning

After the course, you will be encouraged to continue reflective practice using the course workbook, consolidating learning, identifying strengths, and planning next steps for development within your clinical environment.

Course assessment

Assessment throughout the course is entirely formative. You will receive structured, real‑time feedback on technical skills, communication and decision‑making through simulation, observation and debrief.

The focus is on supporting growth, confidence and readiness for senior surgical practice rather than summative judgement.

View the full course programme.