Recommendations and resources for regional anaesthesia Fellowships in Australia and New Zealand

Abstract

Regional anaesthesia is a fundamental aspect of anaesthesia practice. Structured Fellowships in regional anaesthesia facilitate the development of expert clinicians, scholars and future leaders. The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists accredits training sites for the final year of Fellowship training but does not outline specific guidance for subspecialty training. Based on evidence from a systematic literature review and best-practice medical education principles, the ideal structure for a regional anaesthesia Fellowship programme in Australia and New Zealand is outlined in four categories: (a) structure and duration of training; (b) educational aspects; (c) institutional organization; (d) evaluation and improvement. Departments may use this resource to help design, implement and improve their Fellowship programmes while trainees may employ it as a reference to achieve their learning goals at any training stage. Continuing professional education plays a central role in achieving and maintaining mastery of regional anaesthesia competencies.