Boosting Confidence: Enhancing Spinal Cord Stimulator Needle and Lead Placement Through Simulation Training

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pain Management
• Medical Simulation

Background:

• Spinal cord stimulator (SCS) placement is a complex procedure.
• Physician confidence in SCS procedures is crucial for patient outcomes.
• Current training methods may not fully prepare physicians for SCS placement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a spinal cord stimulator (SCS) simulator training system.
• To assess improvements in physician confidence regarding SCS lead placement.
• To explore the perceived value of SCS simulation in medical education.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving five Ukrainian physicians (neurologists, neurosurgeons, anesthesiologist).
• Pre- and post-intervention surveys measuring confidence in SCS placement aspects.
• Utilized a spinal cord stimulator (SCS) simulator for hands-on training.
• Statistical analysis using the Mann-Whitney U test and PAST software.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant 38% increase in overall survey scores post-simulation (p = 0.0055).
• Significant improvements in confidence for lead driving and overall technical skills (p < 0.05).
• Increased confidence reported in epidural needle insertion, X-ray interpretation, and anatomical navigation.

Conclusions:

• Simulated neuromodulation training is effective in enhancing physician confidence for SCS placement.
• Simulator training offers a viable method to augment neuromodulation education.
• Further research is needed to confirm the impact of simulator training on real-world procedural skills.