TY - JOUR
T1 - Neurosurgery certification in member societies of the WFNS
T2 - Africa and the Middle East
AU - Gasco, Jaime
AU - Barber, Sean M.
AU - McCutcheon, Ian E.
AU - Black, Peter M.
PY - 2011
Y1 - 2011
N2 - Background This study sought to compare objectively the complexity and diversity of the certification process in neurological surgery in member societies of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) in the African and Middle Eastern regions. Methods This report centers on two geographic regions: Africa and the Middle East. We provide a subgroup analysis based on the responses provided to the 13-item survey sent in Part I of this study. The data received were analyzed, and three Regional Complexity Scores (RCS) were designed. To compare national board experience, eligibility requirements to access the certification process, and the obligatory nature of the examinations, a RCS-Organizational score was created (RCS-O, 20 points maximum). To analyze the complexity of the examination, a RCS-Components was designed (RCS-C, 20 points maximum). The sum of both is presented in a global RCS (RCS-G). In addition, a descriptive summary of the certification process per responding society is also provided. Results Based on the data provided by our RCS system, the highest RCS-G was obtained by South Africa (19 of 40 points), followed by Egypt (18 of 40 points), countries of the Gulf Neurosurgical Society (16 of 40 points), and the Neurosurgical Society of East and Central Africa (16 of 40 points). Conclusions This grading system allows societies to compare their process of certification within their continental region and worldwide, potentially identifying aspects for further improvement or development.
AB - Background This study sought to compare objectively the complexity and diversity of the certification process in neurological surgery in member societies of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) in the African and Middle Eastern regions. Methods This report centers on two geographic regions: Africa and the Middle East. We provide a subgroup analysis based on the responses provided to the 13-item survey sent in Part I of this study. The data received were analyzed, and three Regional Complexity Scores (RCS) were designed. To compare national board experience, eligibility requirements to access the certification process, and the obligatory nature of the examinations, a RCS-Organizational score was created (RCS-O, 20 points maximum). To analyze the complexity of the examination, a RCS-Components was designed (RCS-C, 20 points maximum). The sum of both is presented in a global RCS (RCS-G). In addition, a descriptive summary of the certification process per responding society is also provided. Results Based on the data provided by our RCS system, the highest RCS-G was obtained by South Africa (19 of 40 points), followed by Egypt (18 of 40 points), countries of the Gulf Neurosurgical Society (16 of 40 points), and the Neurosurgical Society of East and Central Africa (16 of 40 points). Conclusions This grading system allows societies to compare their process of certification within their continental region and worldwide, potentially identifying aspects for further improvement or development.
KW - Africa
KW - Middle East
KW - Neurosurgery certification
KW - Neurosurgery training
KW - WFNS
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U2 - 10.1016/j.wneu.2010.09.006
DO - 10.1016/j.wneu.2010.09.006
M3 - Article
C2 - 21839933
AN - SCOPUS:80051744269
SN - 1878-8750
VL - 76
SP - 18
EP - 27
JO - World neurosurgery
JF - World neurosurgery
IS - 1-2
ER -