The Surgical Coaching Program: Developing a One-on-One Technical Curriculum for Junior Neurosurgical Residents

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery Education
• Surgical Training Curricula

Background:

• Increasing constraints on resident operative autonomy necessitate efficient, non-OR training methods.
• Development of effective surgical training curricula is crucial for junior residents.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce and evaluate the utility of a one-on-one technical curriculum, the Surgical Coaching Program (SCP), for junior neurosurgical residents.
• Assess resident and faculty perspectives on the SCP's effectiveness during its pilot year.

Main Methods:

• Eight procedures were selected for the pilot curriculum.
• Neurosurgical faculty served as one-on-one coaches.
• Training sessions utilized cadaveric specimens and/or operating microscopes in a dissection lab or empty operating room.
• Faculty and resident surveys collected perceptions post-session.

Main Results:

• The SCP pilot year yielded positive feedback from both residents and faculty.
• Faculty reported increased resident confidence post-session and in the operating room.
• Faculty trust in residents either increased or remained unchanged after SCP sessions.

Conclusions:

• A structured, one-on-one technical curriculum (SCP) effectively enhances junior neurosurgical resident confidence, operative autonomy, and faculty-resident trust.
• This represents the first formal description of such a structured, one-on-one curriculum in neurosurgery literature.
• The SCP provides a model for innovative approaches to improve neurosurgical training efficiency and effectiveness.