How do cytopathologists learn fine needle aspiration techniques? An international survey

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Pathology
• Diagnostic Cytology

Background:

• Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a crucial diagnostic tool, yet its effectiveness is influenced by practitioner expertise.
• Significant gaps exist in understanding global variations in FNAC training methodologies.
• This study addresses the need to explore international FNAC training practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate current fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) simulation training practices among pathologists worldwide.
• To identify common methods and materials used in FNAC simulation training.
• To assess the effectiveness and applicability of different simulation approaches.

Main Methods:

• A global survey of pathologists was conducted using social media platforms (Twitter and WhatsApp).
• Direct messaging facilitated the collection of responses over a two-week period.
• The survey focused on simulation training experiences in fine needle aspiration cytology.

Main Results:

• 149 pathologists from 24 countries participated, achieving a 96.1% response rate.
• A majority (63.8%) performed their first FNAC on patients without prior simulation.
• Only 36.2% received simulation training, commonly using food items (64.8%) or surgical specimens (37.0%).

Conclusions:

• Formal simulated training is infrequent in fine needle aspiration cytology education.
• Current simulation methods, often using food items, lack standardization and may not fully prepare pathologists.
• Social media serves as an effective tool for rapid, high-response international research in medical training.