Learning curves: residents require roughly 45–90 attempts to achieve competency in neuraxial procedures¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · review r3 · q2
Currency · newest study 2025 · not yet checked against its sources · not reviewed by a person

Subclaims¶

q2 i? Studies found that residents required between 45 and 71 attempts at spinal anaesthesia and between 46 and 90 attempts at epidural anaesthesia to achieve competency. → Nielsen Martine Siw 2025

Evidence¶

Nielsen Martine Siw 2025¶

Nielsen Martine Siw, Ilkjær Frederik Veitland, Grejs Anders Morten, Nielsen Anders Bo, Konge Lars, Brøchner Anne Craveiro. (2025). Training and assessment of skills in neuraxial space access: a scoping review of educational approaches to lumbar puncture, epidural anaesthesia, and spinal anaesthesia. British Journal of Anaesthesia. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bja.2025.06.008

q2 · i? · review · r3

The review reports CUSUM-based learning curve studies finding that "residents required between 45 and 71 attempts at spinal anaesthesia and between 46 and 90 attempts at epidural anaesthesia to achieve competency".

"Studies found that residents required between 45 and 71 attempts at spinal anaesthesia and between 46 and 90 attempts at epidural anaesthesia to achieve competency."

Discussion¶

Related Claims¶

• Proficiency-based training, including mastery learning, is effective for achieving competence in neuraxial access — related
• Skill retention after neuraxial technical training tends to decline over time — related
• Simulation-based training enhances outcomes across multiple Kirkpatrick levels in neuraxial space access education — related
• Most included studies were of low methodological quality, with only 22 of 99 rated high quality by MERSQI — related