Data-Driven Residency Training: A Scoping Review of Educational Interventions for Neurosurgery Residency Programs

Abstract

BACKGROUND Neurosurgery residency programs are tasked with imparting large volumes of both clinical knowledge and technical skill to trainees in limited time. Many investigators have described local practices, which may offer evidence-based interventions in neurosurgical residency education, but this literature has not been systematically reviewed. OBJECTIVE To perform a scoping review of educational practices in neurosurgery, which are supported by quantitative, peer-reviewed research. METHODS A scoping review of the literature was performed. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were queried for articles describing educational interventions for neurosurgery residents, which included a quantitative assessment of the effect on resident performance. RESULTS From an initial set of 1785 unique articles, 29 studies were ultimately screened and included. Studies were into the following 6 topics: (1) didactics and curricula (n = 13), (2) nontechnical skills (n = 6), (3) wellness and burnout (n = 4), (4) assessment and feedback (n = 2), (5) mentorship and career development (n = 2), and (6) research (n = 2). Individual study results were described. CONCLUSION Several educational interventions in neurosurgical training are supported by quantitative evidence. Methodological shortcomings are prevalent among studies of education, particularly in the selection of meaningful outcome measures. A summary of evidence-based considerations is provided for current and future program directors.

A Scoping Review of Professionalism in Neurosurgery

“…Articles examining professional development ranged from resident training to maintenance of certification. 118-151 The most common type of publication in this category was preintervention and postintervention studies. 123,124,128,130,131,136,147,148 The development and implementation of the ACGME milestones was discussed in several articles.…”

“…128,130 Nguyen et al 147 described the implementation of a residents-as-teachers curriculum. Kelly et al 146 performed a scoping review of educational interventions in neurosurgery training programs.…”

Neurological Surgery Residency Programs in the United States: A National Cross-Sectional Survey

“…Over the years, the ACGME, ABNS, and Society of Neurological Surgeons have introduced initiatives to standardize training curricula, including restructuring of the PGY1 year, the PGY2 anatomy exam, and a uniform 7-year residency length. [1][2][3] The ABNS mandates that neurological surgery residency consist of 54 months of clinical neurosurgery and the ACGME established case log minimum requirements for procedures for neurological surgery residents. 3,9 These educational standards ensure that all neurological surgery residents graduate with a competency to be safe neurosurgeons.…”

“…Over the past 2 decades, the structure of neurological surgery residency has changed, including national standardization of curricula, behavioral competencies, surgical case minimums, and academic activity. [1][2][3] Although standardization has elevated the educational benchmarks of neurological surgery residencies, programs vary in their educational, research, and fellowship opportunities. Neurosurgical residents often can personalize aspects of their training by pursuing research/clinical fellowships or additional degrees during residency.…”

“…Over the past 2 decades, the structure of neurological surgery residency has changed, including national standardization of curricula, behavioral competencies, surgical case minimums, and academic activity. 1-3…”