Simulation training in neurosurgery: advances in education and practice

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Simulation
• Virtual Reality

Background:

• Current neurosurgical simulation technology requires improvement.
• Efforts to create realistic simulations for neurosurgical training are ongoing.
• The necessity of a "real-life" feel in simulations is questioned, especially for early learners.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore advancements in neurosurgical simulation technology.
• To examine the development, availability, and cost of simulation tools.
• To assess the utility of simulation in achieving early resident milestones and improving patient safety.

Main Methods:

• Review of simulation technology development and availability in neurosurgery.
• Analysis of educational taskforces and cost burdens.
• Overview of scholarly publications on medical simulation and virtual reality in neurosurgery.
• Analysis of PubMed heading overlap and concept associations.

Main Results:

• Simulation technology in neurosurgery has room for improvement.
• Simulation's primary benefit may lie in early learner training.
• Technological advances can target Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education milestones.
• A scholarly landscape analysis of virtual reality and medical simulation in neurosurgery was provided.

Conclusions:

• Simulation in neurosurgical training holds significant potential, particularly for foundational skill development.
• Focusing simulation on early resident milestones can enhance patient safety and outcomes.
• Further development and strategic implementation of simulation technologies are warranted.