Developing a neurosurgical simulation-based educational curriculum: An overview

James Harrop, Darlene A. Lobel, Bernard Bendok, Ashwini Sharan, Ali R. Rezai

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

43 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND:: The science of medicine has undergone rapid advancement and expansion as a result of significant technological innovations, and this has affected the training of neurosurgical residents. OBJECTIVE:: To develop a simulation-based neurosurgical educational curriculum to improve resident education. METHODS:: The Congress of Neurological Surgeons established a Simulation Committee to explore the use of this technology in maximizing neurosurgical education. Simulators were incorporated into an educational curriculum with both a didactic and a technical component. The simulators and didactic portions were validated with objective pretests and posttests. RESULTS:: The Simulator Committee has continued to expand the use of simulators in neurosurgical education and has organized several practical courses. The simulator use continues to expand into vasculature, spinal, and cranial modules. Each module has independently shown improved training scores in both didactic and technical skills. CONCLUSION:: The Congress of Neurological Surgeons has successfully incorporated simulation into an educational curriculum with both didactic and technical components. This appears to be a powerful educational tool, and its uses are being further expanded. ABBREVIATIONS:: ACGME, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical EducationCNS, Congress of Neurological SurgeonsVR, virtual reality.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)S25-S29
JournalNeurosurgery
Volume73
Issue numberSUPPL. 4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2013

Keywords

  • Education
  • Module
  • Simulation
  • Training

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Clinical Neurology

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