Purpose of review: This review intends to give an overview of developments in anaesthesia residency training.
Recent findings: Healthcare institutions are stimulated to improve residency training programmes by worldwide quality assurance movements. Research and literature has increased the comprehension of which factors are needed to stimulate effective learning. Recent studies promote the use of (electronic) portfolios that stimulate and monitor the learning process, simulation for training and assessment purposes, and quality assurance with a focus on the role of the clinical teacher and the learning environment.
Summary: Innovations in the field of educational studies have provided us with tools to improve the training of our residents. Portfolio, simulation and quality assurance are among the most prominent developments aimed at creating successful residency programmes. Financial implications of the implementation of educational innovations should, however, be considered.