Patient and Public Perceptions of Simulation Training in Neurosurgery: A Two-Stage Cross-Sectional Survey

The use of simulation in neurosurgery is a widespread and popular means of training worldwide. However, little is known about patient and public acceptability of simulation in neurosurgical training and the potential consequences of this for future simulation development.

A two-stage questionnaire strategy was utilized, the first gathering insights from neurosurgical inpatients, and the second from the general public. These questionnaires assessed general understanding of the concept of simulation in neurosurgery, the relative importance of factors affecting simulation training, and acceptability of different simulation modalities and means of providing feedback to trainees.

Seventeen inpatients responded to the first-stage survey, and 192 members of the public responded to the second-stage survey. Familiarity with the concept of simulation training in neurosurgery was generally lacking. Fidelity was established as the most important element of simulation training by the public, with cadavers and physical models the most acceptable form of simulation training. Augmented reality solutions were least popular among the public. There was enthusiasm for both artificial intelligence and telementoring as training feedback solutions.

Patients and the public are accepting of the use of simulation training in neurosurgery. Future development should focus on improving access to high-fidelity simulation and exploring the use of artificial intelligence and telementoring in providing trainee feedback.