A new teaching model for resident training in regional anesthesia

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Medical Education
• Regional Anesthesia

Background:

• Resident education in regional anesthesia is a national concern.
• Inadequate exposure to peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) is a significant issue.
• A new teaching model was implemented at Duke University Health System in 1996.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel teaching model for resident training in regional anesthesia.
• To assess the impact of the model on resident exposure to PNBs, spinal, and epidural anesthetics.
• To compare resident performance data before and after the model's implementation.

Main Methods:

• A comparative analysis of resident training data was conducted.
• Data from July 1992-June 1995 (pre-model) and July 1998-June 2001 (post-model) were reviewed.
• The study focused on the cumulative number of procedures performed by CA-3 residents.

Main Results:

• Post-model CA-3 residents performed significantly more PNBs (350 vs. 80), spinal anesthetics (107 vs. 66), and epidural anesthetics (233 vs. 133) compared to pre-model residents.
• There was a statistically significant increase (P < 0.0001) in all regional anesthesia procedures performed.
• The new model led to a fourfold increase in exposure to PNBs compared to national averages.

Conclusions:

• The implemented teaching model effectively increased clinical exposure to PNBs for anesthesiology residents.
• The model successfully addressed the national problem of inadequate training in regional anesthesia.
• Utilizing CA-3 residents as block residents in the preoperative area enhanced resident experience.