The Status of the Neurology Education from Resident Perspective: A National Survey in Turkey

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: In Turkey, a national program is governed by National Board of Medical Specialties(BMS), Commision of Syllabus Creation and Standardization to improve and standardize residency training. In the present study, we aimed to assess neurology residency training programs and working conditions in Turkey based on a national survey among residents. METHODS: All neurology residents were invited to contribute a 39 question survey via e-mail, which contained a link to the online questionnaire form (www.SurveyMonkey.com). Data on the residents’ working conditions, education and research activities was collected. RESULTS: Of the 450 neurology residents, 136 (30•2%) completed the survey. Of these, 119 (88%) residents reported working >8 h d–1 and 116 (85%) reported they were on night duty >3 d month–1. Overall, 82% of the residents were not satisfied with the educational program in their department. Half of the residents reported that their institution did not have a structured education program. Although, 70% reported that they contributed to clinical or basic research conducted at their clinics; only 35% of them noted that they received sufficient academic supervision. Finally, 126 (94%) of the residents reported that the pay-for-performance healthcare system negatively affected their training. CONCLUSION: The main reasons of dissatisfaction with neurology training in Turkey seem to be insufficient educational programing, nonstandardized working hours and the pay-for-performance healthcare system. The present findings can guide to standardize and improve neurology training program founded by National Board of Medical Specialties(BMS).

Keywords

• education
• residency
• neurology
• Turkey