Training requirements for peripheral nerve blocks

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the current recommendations and literature on training in regional anesthesia and suggest an improved model to prepare graduating residents better in the practice of regional anesthesia. RECENT FINDINGS: Patient satisfaction, a growing demand for cost-effective anesthesia, and a favorable postoperative recovery profile have all resulted in the growing demand for regional anesthesia. However, it has been well established that the current teaching of regional anesthesia is suboptimal. SUMMARY: A structured regional anesthesia rotation, a dedicated team of mentors with training in regional anesthesia, and adequate clinical volume are a pre-requisite for adequate training, but they may not be available in many anesthesia residency training programs. As the demand for regional anesthesia continues to increase in the years to come, it is imperative to ensure adequate education of graduating residents to meet this demand. In order to achieve this goal, the present recommendations should be re-evaluated, and perhaps a proficiency in a core group of widely applicable and relatively simple nerve blocks should be mastered by all graduates.