Abstract
BackgroundIn a previous article (https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-019-03888-3), preliminary results of a survey, aiming to shed light on the number of surgical procedures performed and assisted during neurosurgery residency in Europe were reported. We here present the final results and extend the analyses.MethodsBoard-certified neurosurgeons of European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) member countries were asked to review their residency case logs and participate in a 31-question electronic survey (SurveyMonkey Inc., San Mateo, CA). The responses received between April 25, 2018, and April 25, 2020, were considered. We excluded responses that were incomplete, from non-EANS member countries, or from respondents that have not yet completed their residency.ResultsOf 430 responses, 168 were considered for analysis after checking in- and exclusion criteria. Survey responders had a mean age of 42.7 ± 8.8 years, and 88.8% were male. Responses mainly came from surgeons employed at university/teaching hospitals (85.1%) in Germany (22.0%), France (12.5%), the United Kingdom (UK; 8.3%), Switzerland (7.7%), and Greece (7.1%). Most responders graduated in the years between 2011 and 2019 (57.7%). Thirty-eight responders (22.6%) graduated before and 130 responders (77.4%) after the European WTD 2003/88/EC came into effect. The mean number of surgical procedures performed independently, supervised or assisted throughout residency was 540 (95% CI 424–657), 482 (95% CI 398–568), and 579 (95% CI 441–717), respectively. Detailed numbers for cranial, spinal, adult, and pediatric subgroups are presented in the article. There was an annual decrease of about 33 cases in total caseload between 1976 and 2019 (coeff. − 33, 95% CI − 62 to − 4, p = 0.025). Variables associated with lesser total caseload during residency were training abroad (1210 vs. 1747, p = 0.083) and female sex by trend (947 vs. 1671, p = 0.111), whereas case numbers were comparable across the EANS countries (p = 0.443).ConclusionThe final results of this survey largely confirm the previously reported numbers. They provide an opportunity for current trainees to compare their own case logs with. Again, we confirm a significant decline in surgical exposure during training between 1976 and 2019. In addition, the current analysis reveals that female sex and training abroad may be variables associated with lesser case numbers during residency.
Highlights
The Young Neurosurgeons Committee and the Training Committee of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) are both committed to critically assess and improve training conditions in its member states and beyond
Thirty-eight responders (22.6%) graduated before and 130 responders (77.4%) after the European Working Time Directive (WTD) 2003/88/EC came into effect
The current analysis reveals that female sex and training abroad may be variables associated with lesser case numbers during residency
Summary
The Young Neurosurgeons Committee and the Training Committee of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) are both committed to critically assess and improve training conditions in its member states and beyond. We had surveyed residents in training and asked them to indicate the average number of certain surgical procedures performed per month [16]. Variables associated with lesser total caseload during residency were training abroad (1210 vs 1747, p = 0.083) and female sex by trend (947 vs 1671, p = 0.111), whereas case numbers were comparable across the EANS countries (p = 0.443). Conclusion The final results of this survey largely confirm the previously reported numbers They provide an opportunity for current trainees to compare their own case logs with. The current analysis reveals that female sex and training abroad may be variables associated with lesser case numbers during residency
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
