Reaccreditation or recertification of general surgeons in Spain: That's the question. Results of a national survey

Introduction: The Law for the Regulation of Health Professions (LOPS) indicates that health professionals will carry out continuous training throughout their professional life, and will regularly prove their professional competence. The objective of the study was to carry out a national survey to find out the opinion of Spanish surgeons and thus be able to prepare a recertification project by the Spanish Association of Surgeons (AEC). Methods: Cross-sectional observational study carried out in June-July 2020, through a survey sent to the members of the AEC. Results: The survey had a total of 1230 visits and an overall completion rate of 784 responses (67.3%). 69.6% were unaware of the LOPS forecasts and 83.4% were unaware of similar initiatives in other specialties and 95.5% agreed to demand adequate information. 71.4% believed it necessary but only 57% believed that it should be mandatory. 82.9% would agree that it should be regulated through an objective and predictable official procedure. Conclusions: The concept of re-accreditation is not well known in our specialty and in view of the results obtained, adequate and reliable information seems necessary. Therefore, it would be pertinent to propose by the AEC a specific project to assess activities and skills. (C) 2020 AEC. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Based on the Law for the Regulation of Health Professions (LOPS), a national survey was conducted among Spanish surgeons to assess their opinions on re-accreditation. The survey revealed a lack of awareness regarding re-accreditation requirements and highlights the need for adequate and reliable information. Most respondents agreed that re-accreditation should be regulated through an objective and predictable official procedure.