Neurosurgical training and education - General European certification is supported: Results of an EANS survey

Introduction: Delivering high-quality Neurosurgical care is dependent on excellence in neurosurgical training. Across Europe requirements of these programs vary from state to state. This study aims to determine satisfaction with these programs and views towards a unified certifications process for Neurosurgical training. Methods: An electronic survey was disseminated to European trainees, Fellows and Consultants from 11/21 to 02/22. For descriptive purposes, categorical variables, i.e. Age, Gender, year of training, country and outcomes were analyzed. Results: A total of 339 responses were submitted, representing all EANS member states except for Cyprus and Macedonia. Seventy-five were <30 years, 82.3% were male, similar to 60% were Specialists, and twenty-four per cent held a fellowship with the European Board of Neurosurgery. 80.2% believed that a joint standardized Neurosurgical certificate in Europe is necessary, with 31.6% believing residency had not prepared them fully as a neurosurgeon. Conclusion: This survey shows that views towards general European-wide certification is positive and that there is ongoing consensus that there is concern with some aspects of training and high variability in its delivery across Europe.