Ernst, MarielleKriston, LeventeRomero, JavierFrölich, Andreas M.Jansen, OlavFiehler, JensBuhk, Jan-Hendrik2016-03-012016Ernst, Marielle, Levente Kriston, Javier M. Romero, Andreas M. Frölich, Olav Jansen, Jens Fiehler, and Jan-Hendrik Buhk. 2016. “Quantitative Evaluation of Performance in Interventional Neuroradiology: An Integrated Curriculum Featuring Theoretical and Practical Challenges.” PLoS ONE 11 (2): e0148694. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0148694. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0148694.1932-6203http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:25658351Purpose We sought to develop a standardized curriculum capable of assessing key competencies in Interventional Neuroradiology by the use of models and simulators in an objective, quantitative, and efficient way. In this evaluation we analyzed the associations between the practical experience, theoretical knowledge, and the skills lab performance of interventionalists. Materials and Methods We evaluated the endovascular skills of 26 participants of the Advanced Course in Endovascular Interventional Neuroradiology of the European Society of Neuroradiology with a set of three tasks (aneurysm coiling and thrombectomy in a virtual simulator and placement of an intra-aneurysmal flow disruptor in a flow model). Practical experience was assessed by a survey. Participants completed a written and oral examination to evaluate theoretical knowledge. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results: In multivariate analysis knowledge of materials and techniques in Interventional Neuroradiology was moderately associated with skills in aneurysm coiling and thrombectomy. Experience in mechanical thrombectomy was moderately associated with thrombectomy skills, while age was negatively associated with thrombectomy skills. We found no significant association between age, sex, or work experience and skills in aneurysm coiling. Conclusion: Our study gives an example of how an integrated curriculum for reasonable and cost-effective assessment of key competences of an interventional neuroradiologist could look. In addition to traditional assessment of theoretical knowledge practical skills are measured by the use of endovascular simulators yielding objective, quantitative, and constructive data for the evaluation of the current performance status of participants as well as the evolution of their technical competency over time.en-USMedicine and Health SciencesVascular MedicineVascular DiseasesAneurysmsBiology and Life SciencesBiotechnologyMedical Devices and EquipmentCathetersPhysical SciencesChemistryChemical CompoundsSiliconesBehaviorHuman PerformancePhysicsClassical MechanicsContinuum MechanicsFluid MechanicsFluid DynamicsFluid FlowCardiovascular MedicineCardiovascular ImagingAngiographyDiagnostic MedicineDiagnostic RadiologyImaging TechniquesRadiology and ImagingHealth CareHealth Care ProvidersMedical DoctorsPhysiciansPeople and PlacesPopulation GroupingsProfessionsNeuroscienceCognitive ScienceCognitionDecision MakingJournal Article2016-03-0110.1371/journal.pone.0148694