Rural neurotrauma in Australia: Implications for surgical training

Abstract

Background: Australia's vast size and small population preclude a neurosurgical service in most rural areas. Thus, general surgeons often initially manage rural neurotrauma. This study aimed to define the neurotrauma surgical caseload in rural Australia and to examine the level of training and confidence of rural surgeons for neurotrauma management. Methods: A questionnaire was sent to all Australian members of the Division of Rural Surgery of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. Responses were grouped by distance from a neurosurgical centre and analysed using one-way anova. Results: The response rate was 91%, and 161 rural surgeons were included. In total, 90 surgeons carried out app..