The role of emerging technology in expanding regional anesthesia education and patient access

The purpose of this article is to identify promising technologies that can enhance core regional anesthesia training, competence, and global implementation, which will lead to both expansion in patient access and improvements in perioperative outcomes.

Artificial intelligence software embedded in ultrasound equipment can now generate real-time anatomical overlays to assist nonexpert clinicians performing peripheral nerve blocks. Large language models offer scalable support for curriculum development and learner self-study but carry risks of fabricated content. Head-mounted virtual and augmented reality devices have facilitated procedural skill acquisition comparable to in-person instruction. Hybrid curricula combining online didactics with telementored clinical supervision have successfully introduced ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia in resource-limited settings, and emerging telementoring technologies, including remote video annotation and haptic feedback over high-bandwidth networks, are extending expert oversight across geographic boundaries.

Emerging technologies in regional anesthesia education, paired with the curricular focus provided by the Plan A blocks framework, offer a pathway towards widespread, safe adoption of high-value regional techniques worldwide. Realizing this potential will require equitable access to technology, faculty trained in virtual instruction, and support for local champions in lower-resourced environments.