title: Quantitative Evaluation of Performance in Interventional Neuroradiology: An Integrated Curriculum Featuring Theoretical and Practical Challenges.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We sought to develop a standardized curriculum capable of assessing key competencies in Interventional Neuroradiology by the use of models and simulators in an objective, quantitative, and efficient way. In this evaluation we analyzed the associations between the practical experience, theoretical knowledge, and the skills lab performance of interventionalists.
  
  
  METHODS
  We evaluated the endovascular skills of 26 participants of the Advanced Course in Endovascular Interventional Neuroradiology of the European Society of Neuroradiology with a set of three tasks (aneurysm coiling and thrombectomy in a virtual simulator and placement of an intra-aneurysmal flow disruptor in a flow model). Practical experience was assessed by a survey. Participants completed a written and oral examination to evaluate theoretical knowledge. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In multivariate analysis knowledge of materials and techniques in Interventional Neuroradiology was moderately associated with skills in aneurysm coiling and thrombectomy. Experience in mechanical thrombectomy was moderately associated with thrombectomy skills, while age was negatively associated with thrombectomy skills. We found no significant association between age, sex, or work experience and skills in aneurysm coiling.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our study gives an example of how an integrated curriculum for reasonable and cost-effective assessment of key competences of an interventional neuroradiologist could look. In addition to traditional assessment of theoretical knowledge practical skills are measured by the use of endovascular simulators yielding objective, quantitative, and constructive data for the evaluation of the current performance status of participants as well as the evolution of their technical competency over time.
authors: Center for Radiology and Endoscopy, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
authors: Marielle
authors: M
authors: Ernst
authors: Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
authors: Levente
authors: L
authors: Kriston
authors: Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America.
authors: Javier M
authors: JM
authors: Romero
authors: Center for Radiology and Endoscopy, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
authors: Andreas M
authors: AM
authors: Frölich
authors: Department of Radiology and Neuroradiology, University of Kiel, Arnold Heller Str. 3, 24105, Kiel, Germany.
authors: Olav
authors: O
authors: Jansen
authors: Center for Radiology and Endoscopy, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
authors: Jens
authors: J
authors: Fiehler
authors: Center for Radiology and Endoscopy, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
authors: Jan-Hendrik
authors: JH
authors: Buhk
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D003479:Curriculum; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D057510:Endovascular Procedures / Q000193:education; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D016544:Patient Simulation; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D015642:Radiology, Interventional / Q000193:education*