Tiu V, Durães J, Di Lorenzo F, et al. Perceived discrepancies in neurosonology training and certification across Europe: a RRFS/EAN survey. Front Neurol. 2024;15:1464946. Published 2024 Oct 28. doi:10.3389/fneur.2024.1464946
In the summer of 2023, the EAN Resident and Research Fellow Section (RRFS) conducted a survey about access to training and education in neurosonology amongst young neurologists in Europe. Tiu et. Al. recently published the results of this study, which aimed to assess the current landscape of neurosonology training, including the availability of educational programmes, certification requirements, and perceived proficiency among trainees. The survey gathered responses from multiple European countries, enabling a broad comparison of training environments.
The survey results revealed substantial differences in the availability of neurosonology training, with 6 out of 37 countries offering more comprehensive training and access to certification, and the rest having only limited access to formalised neurosonology programmes. Differences between training centres from the same country were frequent, suggesting inequalities at a national level as well.
Certification pathways for neurosonology also varied widely. While some countries provide national certifications that align with EAN standards, others lack any formal certification process. Survey participants expressed concerns about skill gaps, particularly regarding hands-on experience with neurosonological techniques, with neuromuscular ultrasound and point-of-care ultrasound being rarely taught to neurologists in training. These perceived deficiencies were more common in regions with limited training resources, suggesting that trainees may not feel adequately prepared to perform neurosonology assessments in clinical settings.
This study provides novel insight into how junior neurologists across Europe perceive their access to training and certification in neurosonology, underlining the need for a more standardised approach.
“Awareness is the starting point of shaping a great future, and we are lucky to be supported by the EAN for RRFS projects and initiatives,” said Luca Cuffaro, former RRFS Chair.
Read the full paper here: Frontiers | Perceived discrepancies in neurosonology training and certification across Europe: a RRFS/EAN survey
