Assessing the Impact of a Regional Anesthesia Workshop on Anesthesiology Residents’ Perceived Comfort in Performing Peripheral Nerve Blocks

Abstract

Different methods of regional anesthesia education have been described in the literature, but none have proven to be superior. The objective of this study was to evaluate the educational value as perceived by the anesthesia resident of a regional anesthesia workshop. Twenty-eight anesthesia residents participated in a workshop, which reviewed nerve blocks of the upper and lower extremities. Prior to the workshop, each resident completed a survey assessing their confidence in their ability to perform 13 nerve blocks. At the conclusion of the workshop and at 3 months post-workshop, the residents completed similar surveys. Paired sample t-test was used to compare pre- and post-workshop confidence levels. Twenty-eight residents completed the pre-, post-, and 3-month follow-up questionnaires. There was a statistically significant increase in residents' confidence level post-workshop for 11 block s evaluated. This was sustained in 5 blocks at the 3 month follow-up survey. Senior residents had higher baseline confidence scores when compared to junior residents. When all blocks were considered, junior residents demonstrated a statistically signifi cant increase in confidence level in independently performing nerve blocks immediately post workshop and at 3 month follow-up. Senior residents had a statistically significant increase in confidence level immediately post workshop, but not at the 3 month follow-up. 100% of participants found the workshop to be beneficial. Participants with less prior experience showed sustained increase in comfort levels at 3 months post-workshop (p=0.007). Based on self-reported trainee comfort level, the workshop was an effective teaching tool. Future workshops might be most effective when targeted at learners with less baseline regional anesthesia experience. Peripheral nerve block workshops can provide an important adjunct in the regional anesthesia ed ucation of resident anesthesiologists.