Neurology resident EEG training in Europe

Objective

To detail current European EEG education practices and compare European and U.S. EEG teaching systems.

Methods

A 19-question online survey focused on EEG clinical practices and residency training was emailed to all 47 European Academy of Neurology Societies.

Results

Thirty-two (68 %) out of the 47 Societies completed the survey. In half of countries, general neurologists are either among the providers or the only providers who typically read EEGs. The number of weeks devoted to EEG learning required to graduate ranged from none to 26, and it was expected to be continuous in one country. In most countries (n = 17/32), trainees read >40 EEGs per EEG rotation, and the most commonly interpreted studies are routine and prolonged routine EEGs. Rotations involve clinic/outpatient (90 %), epilepsy monitoring unit/inpatient (60 %), or both (50 %). Roughly half of countries do not use objective measures to assess EEG competency. The most reported educational methods are teaching during EEG rotation and yearly didactics, and the most reported education barriers are insufficient didactics and insufficient EEG exposure.

Conclusions

We suggest neurology educators in Europe, especially in those countries where EEGs are read by general neurologists, consider ensuring that residency EEG learning is mandatory and establishing objective measures in teaching and evaluating competency.

Significance

Similar to the U.S., neurology resident EEG training in Europe is highly variable.