Anaesthesia education at German University Hospitals: the teachers' perspective - Results of a nationwide survey

Aim of this study: The principle purpose of this study was to collect data on the conditions and practice of anaesthesia education as well as the teaching qualification of consultants at German university hospitals. Based upon the collected data, areas of weakness and strength as well as measures required to improve anaesthesia training are described. Methods: A questionnaire containing 26 items was mailed to 607 consultants employed at 41 German university hospitals in June 2003. Results: A total of 255 questionnaires was analysed (response rate: 43%). Genuine training activities account for 14% of the working hours of the participating consultants. On average, at the institutions of participating consultants, novices work for a duration of I month together with a consultant anaesthetist before they give anaesthetics without direct and constant supervision. When asked to describe the predominant method of training at their institution 71% indicated,case-oriented teaching"; however, 53% chose,,see one, do one, teach one" and 49% learning by doing" as method of training as well (multiple choice). According to 63% of respondents, departmental educational activities usually happen after their regular working hours.,Daily workload" (96%), time pressure" (96%), jack of time" (96%) and jack of personnel" (90%) were indicated as the main obstacles of teaching. According to 80% of respondents, a dedicated financial budget for education does not exist; instead, financial resources of third parties (industry) (58%), of the state (for research und undergraduate education) (60%) and of patients service (66%) are used to ensure training of anaesthesia residents. Conclusion: Due to a lack of a dedicated financial budget for resident training and an increasing economic pressure, jack of time" and jack of personnel" are the main factors leading to the situation at German university hospitals that consultants can only spend 14% of their working hours for teaching purposes despite of sufficient qualification and motivation. As a consequence, novice anaesthetists are faced with the situation to be working without direct and constant supervision after 1 month of training.