OBJECTIVE: Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) is a key imaging technique for assessing microcirculation in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon and is essential for the diagnosis of scleroderma-related diseases and monitoring of systemic sclerosis. Few studies have evaluated structured NVC training programs, and none have investigated their impact on medical residents. This study aimed to assess skill acquisition during the First Residential NVC Course promoted by the Italian Society of Rheumatology for first-year rheumatology trainees, held in Rome on May 29-30, 2025. METHODS: Trainees from 14 Italian regions participated in a 2-day program. Day 1 consisted of frontal lectures, while day 2 focused on hands-on training and interactive image interpretation. All participants completed a theoretical test and a self-evaluation of competence before and after the course. On the second day, trainees undertook an image interpretation test and filled out a satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 82 trainees attended the course; 86.6% reported no prior theoretical knowledge of NVC, whereas 62.2% had performed at least one examination. Significant improvements were found in 13 of the 15 theoretical questions. Self-perceived competence increased, with 62.2% of participants reporting an improvement from 'poor' to 'adequate'. The mean score on the image interpretation test was 89.3%, and overall satisfaction was high (mean rating of 3.77/4). CONCLUSIONS: This intensive residential course enhanced theoretical knowledge, self-perceived competence, and practical interpretation skills among first-year trainees. Given the central role of NVC in current rheumatology training standards, early structured exposure should be considered an essential component of postgraduate education.
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Bisconti et al. (2026) studied this question.
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