Simulation training in neurosurgery: advances in education and practice

Abstract

The current simulation technology used for neurosurgical training leaves much to be desired. Significant efforts are thoroughly exhausted in hopes of developing simulations that translate to give learners the “real-life” feel. Though a respectable goal, this may not be necessary as the application for simulation in neurosurgical training may be most useful in early learners. The ultimate uniformly agreeable endpoint of improved outcome and patient safety drives these investments. We explore the development, availability, educational taskforces, cost burdens and the simulation advancements in neurosurgical training. The technologies can be directed at achieving early resident milestones placed by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. We discuss various aspects of neurosurgery disciplines with specific technologic advances of simulation software. An overview of the scholarly landscape of the recent publications in the realm of medical simulation and virtual reality pertaining to neurologic surgery is provided. We analyze concurrent concept overlap between PubMed headings and provide a graphical overview of the associations between these terms.

Keywords:

• residency education
• simulation
• neurosurgery training
• virtual reality
• haptic feedback
• task analysis
• ACGME

Disclosure

Dr Schirmer reports honoraria from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, and ownership stakes in Neurotechnology Investors. The other authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.