Pediatric Neurosurgery in East Africa: An Education and Needs-Based Survey

A pediatric neurosurgery training workshop was organized for residents and consultants in East Africa. We aimed to compile feedback from the course participants to 1) characterize the state of neurosurgical education; and 2) identify the perceived practical education needs.

The survey of demographic, clinical background and practice, and feedback questions was distributed to all attendees. Responses were elicited via yes/no questions and Likert scales, with the score ranging from 1 (not important, not useful, never) to 5 (very important, very useful, often). The data were de-identified and analyzed in aggregate.

A total of 11 neurosurgeons and trainees completed the survey, including 6 residents (55%) and 5 consultants (45%). Although 5 countries of origin were represented, all attendees (100%) have completed their neurosurgery training in Kenya. The respondents had most frequently treated trauma (least common to most common, 1-5; mean, 4.55 ± 0.93), hemorrhagic stroke (mean, 4.27 ± 0.79), and pediatric tumors (mean, 4.27 ± 1.01). In training, the most commonly used study resources were online resources (9; 82%), textbooks (7; 64%), and online lectures (7; 64%). The areas of greatest perceived need in education and training included general neurosurgery (least to most need, 1-10: 9; 82%), pediatric (9; 82%), trauma and neurocritical care (7; 64%), and neuro-oncology (7; 64%). All 11 respondents (100%) reported that more direct operative teaching was important for educational improvement. Hydrocephalus (least to most useful, 1-5: 5.00 ± 0.00), neuro-endoscopy (4.91 ± 0.30), and tumor (4.91 ± 0.30) were considered the most useful content covered in the pediatric neurosurgery-focused training program to improve skills and knowledge base.

The results from the present survey identified areas of education and training needs to guide further neurosurgical education efforts in East Africa.