[An innovative concept for microsurgical training: a feedback analysis].

[BACKGROUND] There has been a shift in microsurgical education towards simulation training. Hence a number of training programs are being proposed to educate aspiring microsurgeons. However, it is challenging to master the skill of microsurgery and no program has proposed a fully satisfactory training model to date. Therefore, we present an innovative course concept and assess the participants' feedback.

[METHODS] Being offered a four-step modular curriculum, participants can tailor their program to their individual needs and reinforce specific aspects of their training. The program is characterised by exercises ranging from basic techniques performed on avital biologic models to specific surgical techniques performed on human anatomic specimens. In our feedback questionnaire we ask participants to evaluate the parameters "course design", "expectations" and "overall satisfaction" based on a Likert scale with 5 items (100 %, 75 %, 50 %, 25 % and 0 %).

[RESULTS] From 2015 to 2017, 274 students completed and evaluated individual courses. The average values exceeded 90 % for all three parameters.

[DISCUSSION] In conclusion, we have developed and evaluated an innovative training program with a constantly high satisfaction rate and a rising number of participants, thus contributing to the advancement of microsurgical skills in Central Europe.