Training of residents in peripheral nerve blocks during anesthesiology residency.
OBJECTIVE
To survey American anesthesiology residency program directors to determine the availability and extent of training in peripheral nerve block techniques.


METHODS
Survey questionnaire was mailed and faxed to 132 American anesthesiology residency program directors and followed up 4 weeks later with another mailing to nonresponders.


METHODS
University medical center.


RESULTS
Of the 132 American anesthesiology residency program directors surveyed, 69 (52%) responded. Of the responders, 40 (58%) offered a specific peripheral nerve block rotation. The rotation was of 1 month's duration in 61% of these programs. Formal instruction was administered during the rotation in 69%. The regional instruction approach consisted of a nerve stimulator (98%), paresthesia (75%), and transarterial (85%). Multimedia, mannequins, and cadaver dissection were used infrequently (13-25%). During the rotation, residents performed a variety of blocks, but the number of each block varied from 2 (supraclavicular) to 10 (axillary). These blocks were performed in the operating room in 48% of programs. Finally, in the programs with a specific peripheral nerve block rotation, residents were evaluated.


CONCLUSIONS
Specific peripheral nerve block rotations are not always included in anesthesiology residents' curriculum. In addition, residents in programs with a specific nerve block rotation are exposed to a greater number of peripheral nerve block techniques than those who do not have such a rotation included in their curriculum.
Chelly
Jacques E
JE
Department of Anesthesiology, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Greger
Jennifer
J
Gebhard
Ralf
R
Hagberg
Carin A
CA
Al-Samsam
Tameem
T
Khan
Ahmad
A
D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D000765:Anesthesia, Conduction; D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000193:education*; D003625:Data Collection; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D035002:Lower Extremity; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D017933:Peripheral Nervous System / Q000502:physiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D034941:Upper Extremity