Launching an SBNS-accredited neurosurgical skills workshop for medical students and foundation trainees

Abstract

The Neurology and Neurosurgery Interest Group (NANSIG), the student arm of the Society of British Neurological Surgeons (SBNS), organised a neurosurgical skills workshop in January 2017 following evidence of high demand among medical students and foundation trainees. The workshop involved ten delegates and five neurosurgical trainees with one senior consultant. Modules covering head positioning, burr holes, ventricular access, and flaps were included. This ‘Introduction to Neurosurgery’ skills workshop demonstrated significantly improved knowledge and confidence of delegates with attending and assisting in theatre in the future.

Keywords:

• Simulation
• skills
• neurosurgical training
• medical students
• foundation trainees

Disclosure statement

Mr Richard Ashpole is Director of Neurodesign Ltd and inventor of the ROWENA (Realistic Operative Workstation for Educating Neurosurgical Apprentices) simulation system.