Publikation

The World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Young Neurosurgeons Survey (Part I): Demographics, Resources, and Education

Wissenschaftlicher Artikel/Review - 19.05.2020

Bereiche
PubMed
DOI

Zitation
Gnanakumar S, Moscote-Salazar L, Al-Ahmari A, Al-Jehani H, Nicolosi F, Samprón N, Adelson P, Servadei F, Esene I, Al-Habib A, Kolias A, Laeke T, Stienen M, Abou El Ela Bourquin B, Robertson F, Solla D, Karekezi C, Vaughan K, Garcia R, Hassani F, Alamri A, Höhne J, Mentri N, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Young Neurosurgeons Committee. The World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Young Neurosurgeons Survey (Part I): Demographics, Resources, and Education. World Neurosurg X 2020; 8:100083.
Art
Wissenschaftlicher Artikel/Review (Englisch)
Zeitschrift
World Neurosurg X 2020; 8
Veröffentlichungsdatum
19.05.2020
eISSN (Online)
2590-1397
Seiten
100083
Kurzbeschreibung/Zielsetzung

Background
Providing a comprehensive and effective neurosurgical service requires adequate numbers of well-trained, resourced, and motivated neurosurgeons. The survey aims to better understand 1) the demographics of young neurosurgeons worldwide; 2) the challenges in training and resources that they face; 3) perceived barriers; and 4) needs for development.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional study in which a widely disseminated online survey (April 2018-November 2019) was used to procure a nonprobabilistic sample from current neurosurgical trainees and those within 10 years of training. Data were grouped by World Bank income classifications and analyzed using χ tests because of its categorical nature.

Results
There were 1294 respondents, with 953 completed responses included in the analysis. Of respondents, 45.2% were from high-income countries (HICs), 23.2% from upper-middle-income countries, 26.8% lower-middle-income countries, and 4.1% from low-income countries. Most respondents (79.8%) were male, a figure more pronounced in lower-income groups. Neuro-oncology was the most popular in HICs and spinal surgery in all other groups. Although access to computed tomography scanning was near universal (98.64%), magnetic resonance imaging access decreased to 66.67% in low-income countries, compared with 98.61% in HICs. Similar patterns were noted with access to operating microscopes, image guidance systems, and high-speed drills. Of respondents, 71.4% had dedicated time for neurosurgical education.

Conclusions
These data confirm and quantify disparities in the equipment and training opportunities among young neurosurgeons practicing in different income groups. We hope that this study will act as a guide to further understand these differences and target resources to remedy them.