====== Competence by Design ======

Identifying [[peripheral nerve surgery]] (PNS) competencies is crucial to ensure adequate [[resident training]] exposure. No systematic evaluation currently exits for technical aspects of [[neurosurgical training]] in the US, and only recently has a [[Competence by Design]] (CBD) curriculum been implemented in Canada. We examine [[peripheral nerve surgery training]] at neurosurgical centers in the US and Canada to compare resident-reported competency with PNS exposure. Reported competency results are also compared to resident technical abilities in performing 3 peripheral nerve coaptations (PNC).

Self-reported competency and exposure were evaluated by questionnaire completion at a large, academic, US neurosurgical center, as well as across Canada. Exposure and competency were correlated with procedure-based skills from three PNC using small (2-3mm), cadaveric specimens: direct-nerve (DS), connector-assisted (CA), and connector-only (CO) repair. Variables collected included: time-to-completion, sutures required, and nerve-handling from video-analysis, blinded visual-analog-grading by 3 judges, and training level. ANOVA/2-way ANOVA (parametric) and Kruskal-Wallis/Mann-Whitney (non-parametric) analyses with post-hoc testing were completed. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05.


Results:

Training level and PNS exposure were significantly correlated (P<0.01); senior residents report more exposure to cubital-tunnel release (P<0.01), brachial-plexus surgery (P=0.01), direct-nerve-repair (P=0.03), and nerve-transfer (P=0.02).

No difference was observed between training level and PNC grading (p=0.41), although a between-group difference was seen for the type of PNC: DS and CA (median quality for both: fair) repairs scored better than CO (median: poor) (p=0.02 and p<0.01, respectively).

A discrepancy was observed between trainee self-reported PNS competency and PNS exposure that increased upon training level stratification.


Conclusion:

Despite more exposure and a higher perceived PNS-related competency in senior residents, no difference was seen between senior/junior residents in PNC quality. A discrepancy in PNS-case exposure and perceived competency exists. This information will provide insight into the direction of PNS training, and its role in the implementation of a CBD curriculum
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