Education paths in neuro-oncology: combining technical skills with multidisciplinary care. A survey from the AINO (Italian Association for Neuro-Oncology) Youngster Committee.

Abstract

Purpose: Neuro-oncology is a multidisciplinary subspecialty that has evolved and expanded tremendously over the last 20 years. In Europe, notwithstanding a number of commendable initiatives, neither a specific neuro-oncology training curriculum nor a consensus on the ideal training tools have been set. In this context, the Youngster Committee of the Italian Association for Neuro-Oncology (AINO) has run a nationwide survey to take a snapshot of the current situation of neuro-oncology education in Italy.

Methods: Between July and November 2023, we distributed through AINO a 34-question survey addressed to all Italian care providers dealing with neuro-oncology, irrespective of specialty and level of experience, as per AINO mission. The questionnaire was disseminated using an open link. We analyzed and stratified answers according to epidemiological characteristics of the respondents, i.e. age, gender, role, years of experience, type and case load of their work Institutions, geographical region.

Results: We collected 254 valid questionnaires. The majority of respondents were under 40 years old (62.6%); neurosurgeons formed the largest specialty group (48%). Residency was a key step for neuro-oncology education according to 33% of participants; notably, younger respondents gave a significantly more positive assessment of residency programs compared to older ones (72% vs. 56%, p = 0.0193). PhD programs in Italy are focused only on research, according to 30% of respondents. Regarding the tools for continuing medical education in neuro-oncology, a striking contrast between the ideal ones, which should be the frequent participation in dedicated courses (59% responses), and the actual one, which is scientific literature (55%), was recorded. Mentorship programs are rare and inconsistent and should be strengthened. More than 90% of participants declared multidisciplinary collaboration as fundamental. Multispecialty societies like AINO have a key role in strengthening education in neuro-oncology through the organization of structured post-graduate programs.

Conclusion: The results of this survey, by describing the status of the neuro-oncology training paths in Italy, can lay the foundation for initiatives aimed at harmonizing neuro-oncology education in Italy and Europe. The creation of a shared neuro-oncology curriculum and of a network of mentors is suggested.