Sharad Rajpal1, Daniel K Resnick, Mustafa K Başkaya. 1. Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53792, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The journal club (JC) plays a traditional role in resident education. However, little has been written on its current role in neurosurgical training programs. Our goal was to determine resident perception of JCs, factors that make JCs successful, and identifying variables for improving JCs. METHODS: We electronically surveyed all resident members of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons to determine the format, prevalence, content, and efficacy of neurosurgical JCs. RESULTS: Eighty-five percent of the respondents stated that their residency programs have a JC. The perceived primary goal of JCs is for keeping current with the literature and the dissemination of information. Most JCs meet for 1 hour during the week on a monthly basis and review one to three articles. Residents generally present the articles, which are typically original research articles selected by either the faculty or the residents. Most residents consider JCs of good educational value with positive effects on reading habits. Resident and faculty attendance are important variables to a successful JC. Although the majority of residents have minimal background training in epidemiology, biostatistics, or research, fewer than one-third of the training programs provide any type of supplemental sessions or handouts regarding such methods. CONCLUSION: JCs have a high perceived value by neurosurgical residents and should be maintained at all neurosurgical residency training programs. Key factors to a successful JC include faculty and resident attendance. Additional studies are needed to assess optimal JC formats and the possible utilization of supplemental educational tools.
OBJECTIVE: The journal club (JC) plays a traditional role in resident education. However, little has been written on its current role in neurosurgical training programs. Our goal was to determine resident perception of JCs, factors that make JCs successful, and identifying variables for improving JCs. METHODS: We electronically surveyed all resident members of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons to determine the format, prevalence, content, and efficacy of neurosurgical JCs. RESULTS: Eighty-five percent of the respondents stated that their residency programs have a JC. The perceived primary goal of JCs is for keeping current with the literature and the dissemination of information. Most JCs meet for 1 hour during the week on a monthly basis and review one to three articles. Residents generally present the articles, which are typically original research articles selected by either the faculty or the residents. Most residents consider JCs of good educational value with positive effects on reading habits. Resident and faculty attendance are important variables to a successful JC. Although the majority of residents have minimal background training in epidemiology, biostatistics, or research, fewer than one-third of the training programs provide any type of supplemental sessions or handouts regarding such methods. CONCLUSION: JCs have a high perceived value by neurosurgical residents and should be maintained at all neurosurgical residency training programs. Key factors to a successful JC include faculty and resident attendance. Additional studies are needed to assess optimal JC formats and the possible utilization of supplemental educational tools.
Authors: Marek Brzezinski; Ricarda Sawatzki; H Nicole Tran; Kathryn Price; Maren Gregersen; Celeste Wong; Chun-Miao Feng; Stephen Kimatian; K Annette Mizuguchi; Jasleen Kukreja; John D Mitchell; Kathy D Schlecht Journal: J Educ Perioper Med Date: 2020-10-01