Monitoring and reporting gaps in spine surgery education through an international needs assessment survey

Abstract

Background A critical step in curriculum development is conducting a needs assessment of learners. In spine surgery, the educational needs of trainees, and especially of practicing surgeons, evolve frequently due to changes in practice, technology, etc. To monitor these changes and adapt the educational offerings, organizations delivering continuing medical education (CME) and continuing professional development (CPD) periodically repeat needs assessments. Methods An international needs assessment in the form of a set of 15 online questions was designed and circulated in 2017 and in 2021 to the AO Spine community of members and registered users to gather input in five main areas: educational needs in spine pathologies and techniques, required improvements in practice, preferences for types of educational offerings, and profiling information. Results We received and analyzed 1,204 responses in English during the main reporting period in the 2017 needs assessment from residents, fellows, and practicing surgeons in orthopedics and neurosurgery, and 1,845 in 2021. Spine surgeons wish to improve their knowledge related to all the common pathologies, with some variability among regions and stage of career. Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) was the highest-rated need within surgical techniques in all regions (except North America) and all stages of career. Data show a strong preference for face-to-face courses with hands-on training, high demand for mentorship/fellowship/observership, and solid interest in online and blended education. Conclusions The needs assessment process pointed out general trends but also identified varying needs depending on the local situation and stage of career. For this reason, CME/CPD providers must adapt to the local situation to provide educational offerings that meet learner needs.