Recurrence Checkpoint Knowledge and Skills Methodology for Continuous Development in Neurosurgical Residency
Mustafayev B. Mustafayeva A. Bakhtiyarov A. Nikatov K.
September 2025Elsevier Inc.
Journal of Surgical Education
2025#82Issue 9
BACKGROUND: Competency-based neurosurgical training requires effective systems for longitudinal skill development and assessment. PURPOSE: To describe and evaluate a novel educational model—Recurrence Checkpoint: Knowledge and Skills(RCKaS)—for structured reinforcement of resident competencies. METHODS: The model was implemented in a 4-year residency program with quarterly checkpoints. Each checkpoint included cognitive tasks, technical simulations, and case-based evaluations, followed by faculty feedback. RESULTS: The model facilitated early identification of skill gaps, enhanced resident confidence, and improved feedback quality. Faculty reported improved mentoring engagement and assessment clarity. The study employed a dual comparison strategy: (1) a within-subject analysis of entrustment progression across 3 structured checkpoints in the same cohort (n = 36); and (2) an exploratory comparison with a retrospective group of residents trained prior to RCKaS implementation (n = 14). RCKaS-trained residents demonstrated higher scores in clinical reasoning, procedural skills, and diagnostic accuracy. CONCLUSION: Recurrence checkpoint offers a feasible and impactful tool for aligning training with core neurosurgical competencies. It supports personalized learning and prepares residents for progressive responsibility. This approach promotes sustained growth in clinical competence and may serve as a scalable model for other surgical training programs. Design: Prospective educational study with two-level comparisons (within-group and retrospective cohort). Setting: Neurosurgical residency program at the National Center for Neurosurgery, Astana, Kazakhstan. Participants: Thirty-six residents (PGY1-PGY4) enrolled between 2022 and 2024 and a retrospective cohort of fourteen residents enrolled between 2019 and 2021.
competency-based education , entrustability , EPA , neurosurgical training , RCKaS , resident evaluation , simulation-based assessment
Text of the article Перейти на текст статьи
Department of Neurosurgery and Neuropathology, National Centre for Neurosurgery, Astana, Kazakhstan
Department of Neurorehabilitation, National Centre for Neurosurgery, Astana, Kazakhstan
Department of Neurosurgery, Shymkent Regional Clinical Hospital, Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Department of Neurosurgery, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Department of Neurosurgery and Neuropathology
Department of Neurorehabilitation
Department of Neurosurgery
Department of Neurosurgery
10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель
Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026