Assessment of Ophthalmology Residency Training in Switzerland: A Trainee-Based Survey

Abstract

Background This study aimed to evaluate the current status of ophthalmology residency training in Switzerland and provide insights for enhancing training programs.

Materials and Methods The survey covered demographic data such as gender, age, workplace, and year of residency, as well as working conditions, current practical and diagnostic skills, interest in scientific work, and future plans. It consisted of 16 multiple choice questions (MCQ), 5 multiple select questions (MSQ), 8 free-text, 6 Net Promoter Score (NPS), and 4 Likert scale questions. All Young Swiss Ophthalmologists (YSO) members received an invitation to participate in the survey using an online form. All collected data were anonymized, and participants provided their consent for data collection, analysis, and publication.

Results The survey assessed the perspectives of 63 Swiss ophthalmology residents on their training experiences. Respondents indicated the greatest interest in specializing in cataract and vitreoretinal surgery, followed by cornea, glaucoma, refractive surgery, and lid surgery. They also expressed a great need for improved supervision, structured curricula, and alignment of clinical and research duties. While pursuing additional surgical training and private practice autonomy, residents also expressed a preference for balanced workloads that emphasize patient care over full-time academic work.

Conclusion The survey indicates a need to standardize ophthalmology residency training in Switzerland to ensure comprehensive and uniform education. It also highlights specific areas for improvement, such as the absence of surgical training. Ongoing assessments are necessary to evaluate future developments.

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund Diese Studie zielte darauf ab, den aktuellen Stand der Facharztausbildung in der Ophthalmologie in der Schweiz zu bewerten und Einblicke zu geben, wie die Ausbildungsprogramme verbessert werden können.

Methoden und Materialien Die Umfrage umfasste demografische Daten wie Geschlecht, Alter, Arbeitsplatz und Ausbildungsjahr sowie Arbeitsbedingungen, aktuelle praktische und diagnostische Fähigkeiten, Interesse an Forschung und Zukunftspläne. Sie bestand aus 16 Multiple-Choice-Fragen (MCQ), 5 Multiple-Select-Fragen (MSQ), 8 Freitextfragen, 6 Net Promoter Score (NPS) und 4 Likert-Skalen-Fragen. Assistenzärzte in der Schweiz wurden zur Teilnahme eingeladen. Die gesammelten Daten wurden anonymisiert, und die Teilnehmer gaben ihr Einverständnis zur Datenerhebung, -analyse und -veröffentlichung.

Ergebnisse Die Umfrage bewertete die Perspektiven von 63 Schweizer Ophthalmologie-Assistenzärzten zu ihren Ausbildungserfahrungen. Die Befragten zeigten das größte Interesse an der Spezialisierung auf Katarakt- und vitreoretinale Chirurgie, gefolgt von Cornea, Glaukom, refraktiver Chirurgie und Lidchirurgie. Sie betonten den Bedarf an besserer Betreuung, strukturierten Lehrplänen und einer besseren Balance zwischen klinischen und wissenschaftlichen Aufgaben. Während sie zusätzliches chirurgisches Training und die Autonomie in der Privatpraxis anstrebten, bevorzugten sie eine ausgewogene Arbeitsbelastung, die die Patientenversorgung gegenüber einer Vollzeittätigkeit in der Wissenschaft priorisiert.

Schlussfolgerung Die Umfrage zeigt einen Bedarf an der Standardisierung der ophthalmologischen Facharztausbildung in der Schweiz, um eine umfassende und einheitliche Ausbildung sicherzustellen. Es wurden spezifische Verbesserungsbereiche identifiziert, wie das Fehlen von chirurgischem Training. Laufende Bewertungen sind notwendig, um zukünftige Entwicklungen zu beurteilen.

Conclusion

Already known:

• Ophthalmology residency programs in Switzerland have not been comprehensively evaluated.

• Residentsʼ perspectives on their training experiences and areas for improvement are not well understood.

Newly described:

• The survey showed a high level of research engagement among Swiss ophthalmology residents through publications and conference attendance, indicating a strong interest in academic and scientific pursuits.

• The survey identified specific areas for improvement, including the lack of standardized and regular feedback, structured curricula, and seamless integration of surgical training during residency.

Keywords

cataract - cornea - glaucoma - neuro-ophthalmology - pediatric ophthalmology - retina

Schlüsselwörter

Glaukom - Katarakt - Kinderophthamologie - Kornea - Neuroophthalmologie - Retina

Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 22. September 2024

Angenommen: 28. Oktober 2024

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
06. Dezember 2024

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