Transforming Global Neurosurgical Education Through Mixed Reality Development: A 12-Year Bibliometric Analysis

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Education
• Virtual and Augmented Reality

Background:

• Mixed Reality (MR) is increasingly utilized in medical education.
• Neurosurgical training traditionally relies on apprenticeship models.
• The developmental trends and global collaborations in MR for neurosurgery education require analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To visualize and analyze global research collaborations in Mixed Reality (MR) for neurosurgery education.
• To assess the current state and developmental trends of MR education modules in neurosurgery.
• To predict future directions of MR in neurosurgical training.

Main Methods:

• A structured review of Medline, Scopus, and Embase databases (Jan 2013-Jan 2024).
• Search terms included "mixed reality", "education", and "neurosurgery".
• Qualitative data extraction and bibliometric analyses were employed to assess global distribution and collaboration.

Main Results:

• Twenty-five relevant articles were included, involving 181 authors from 21 countries.
• China and the United States led in publications but had limited international collaboration.
• Mixed Reality applications predominantly focused on cranial neurosurgery training (68%).

Conclusions:

• Mixed Reality significantly impacts neurosurgical trainee education, offering safe and effective training environments.
• MR applications are expected to increasingly integrate into neurosurgical curricula.
• Enhanced international collaboration is crucial for advancing MR technology in neurosurgery education.