Multispecialty and multilanguage training in spine surgery: A Latin-American experience

Abstract

Objective: To report the experience of minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) training course in different languages and specialties for Latin American spine surgeons, and on their level of satisfaction with the curriculum. Methods: A total of 29 hands-on training workshops were conducted over a period of 6 years, on using a MISS technique for degenerative disk disease. The participants completed two questionnaires aimed at evaluating the activities including the methodology, objectives, suitability of facilities, and instruments provided, as well as general satisfaction. Statistical analysis was performed using R 3.1.1 for Windows. Demographic and descriptive statistics were employed. Results: A total of 366 specialists took part and included neurosurgeons, orthopaedists, and anaesthesiologists. The questionnaire was answered by 249 medical doctors from 12 Latin American countries, 98% of which professed to be satisfied with the training activity. Conclusions: The use of educational tools, such as surgical simulators contributes to the new learning process techniques and adds confidence to the surgeons. The implementation of workshops conducted using strict planning leads to a high level of satisfaction among the participants, thus minimizing the differences between specialties or languages.

Keywords

• Spine
• Minimally invasive surgery
• Training
• Simulation
• Discectomy
• Surgical skills