Holding a Mirror to Ourselves: Remediation Policy in Surgical Training in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand

INTRODUCTION: Remediation is a critical component of surgical training, designed to support trainees who are not progressing as expected and to ensure they reach the standards required. Despite its importance, remediation practices remain poorly understood. A clearer understanding of current remediation practices is essential if training bodies are to better support trainees, protect patient safety, and strengthen the integrity of training programs. The aim of this study was to examine the current remediation policies affecting surgical trainees in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand (ANZ). METHODS: We undertook a systematic approach for document analysis in health policy research of publicly available documents from the regulators and accrediting professional bodies relating to underperformance and remediation within the Surgical Education and Training (SET) program in ANZ. RESULTS: In total, 47 documents were reviewed in relation to the management of underperformance and remediation within surgical training. Four themes were identified: when policy shapes remediation; similarity of remediation processes; inconsistent terminology and focus on due process. CONCLUSION: This study examined the current remediation policy affecting surgical trainees in ANZ, which is shaped from standards and regulations set by multiple organizations. Although this creates similar regulatory processes across training programs, it results in a strong focus on due process rather than the educational aspects of remediation. Inconsistent terminology around assessment and remediation further impedes effective comparison and data collection. Addressing these concerns will allow opportunities for improving future remediation processes.