Education in neuroanesthesia and neurocritical care: trends, challenges and advancements

We summarize the latest evidence in neuroanesthesia and neurocritical care (NCC) training. In addition, we describe the newer advancements that clinical educators face in these subspecialties. Lastly, we highlight educational approaches that may lead to an enhanced learning experience and development of necessary skills for neurosciences trainees.

Current neuroanesthesia and NCC training requires acquisition of specific skills for increasing complex surgical cases, specialized neurosurgical practice and new perioperative technologies. Furthermore, there is increasing international interest for standardization and accreditation of neuroanesthesia fellowship programs. Recent evidence has demonstrated that well structured training using high-fidelity simulation improves cognitive and technical skills in acute neurological crises.

High-fidelity simulation in perioperative care of neurosurgical patients can be part of formal neuroanesthesia and NCC curricula, and potentially impact trainees' proficiency. A research agenda is needed to validate the assessment of most effective educational interventions in neurosciences trainees with diverse medical backgrounds. Creative combinations of cost-effective interventions including traditional teaching, specific technical skills workshops, low and high-fidelity simulation deserve to be assessed in future studies.