European junior neurologists perceive various shortcomings in current residency curricula

BACKGROUND

Whether residency programs in Europe and neighboring countries appropriately prepare one for clinical practice is a matter of discussion.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

To assess perceived satisfaction and preparedness for clinical practice among residents and junior neurologists from Europe and neighboring countries.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We inquired about the level of satisfaction with the quality of teaching, rotations and research opportunities of their residency program with an anonymous paper-based questionnaire. We assessed different aspects of practical training including clinical examination, diagnostic procedures, and patient management.

RESULTS

The survey revealed limited satisfaction with the overall training (47%). The quality of teaching was frequently perceived as good or excellent (73%), whereas supervision for patient care and diagnostic procedures was rated as improvable. Discontent related often to poor proficiency for neurological emergencies, diagnostic considerations, and therapeutic decisions. Whether the working time directive introduced by the European Union (EU) affected patient care or resident education or residents' quality of life remained ambiguous.

CONCLUSIONS

This cross-sectional survey disclosed shortcomings in current residency curricula. These concerned diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as well as practical skills, regardless of country, region, or institutional background. Initiatives aimed to harmonize postgraduate neurology training across Europe will need to consider these findings.

Insufficient global health education in European neurological post-graduate training: a European Association of Young Neurologists and Trainees survey

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The awareness of and demand for neurological expertise in global health (GH) have emerged over recent years and have become more relevant due to the increasing numbers of refugees from developing countries arriving in Europe. This study aimed to assess the provision of GH education and opportunities for international exchange during neurology post-graduate training with a focus on Europe.

METHODS

We developed a questionnaire covering different aspects of and interest in GH education on behalf of the European Association of Young Neurologists and Trainees. Residents in neurology and junior neurologists (RJN) were approached to complete this survey.

RESULTS

Completed questionnaires were returned by 131 RJNs, of whom 65.7% were women and 84.0% were between 26 and 35 years old. In total, almost one-third (29.0%) of RJNs reported that their residency programs offered training in GH. Limited education was reported for women's or children's health and neurological disorders of immigrants and refugees, as only 22.1%, 25.2% and 22.1% of RJNs reported that such training was offered, respectively. The curriculum rarely included coverage of the global impact of neurological disorders. Definite plans to volunteer in a developing country were reported by 7.6%. The majority of the participants acknowledged the importance of GH training and international exchange during post-graduate education.

CONCLUSION

This survey corroborates the interest in and appreciation of GH education by European RJNs. However, there are shortcomings in training and opportunities for international exchange. Academic neurology and international bodies, including the European Academy of Neurology, are requested to address this.