ebrain: The electronic learning platform for clinical neuroscience

Sustainable neurosurgical training around the globe. A review and outline

Sharing an equal and quality neurosurgical training across the globe without exclusion may seem utopian. However, such training is possible through educational opportunities and the ongoing digital revolution. The aim is to present the current state of neurosurgery training and education methods indicating strengths, weaknesses and opportunities. The thoughts, comments and suggestions of the authors are based on their academic experiences, training missions around the world and particularly in low- and middle-income countries by pointing out the French experience. The learning must be interactive and programmed over time, integrating varied courses and activities. Virtual reality and neurosurgical simulation need to be developed. The content of the teaching including e-learning must be evidence-based and peer-reviewed. Pedagogical training of trainers is fundamental. It is critical to evaluate the training under real working conditions. The optimization of human resources should create economies of scale that would attenuate the financial burden. The commitment of the teams, tutoring are success factors.

eLearning resources to supplement postgraduate neurosurgery training

BACKGROUND

In an increasingly complex and competitive professional environment, improving methods to educate neurosurgical residents is key to ensure high-quality patient care. Electronic (e)Learning resources promise interactive knowledge acquisition. We set out to give a comprehensive overview on available eLearning resources that aim to improve postgraduate neurosurgical training and review the available literature.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A MEDLINE query was performed, using the search term "electronic AND learning AND neurosurgery". Only peer-reviewed English-language articles on the use of any means of eLearning to improve theoretical knowledge in postgraduate neurosurgical training were included. Reference lists were crosschecked for further relevant articles. Captured parameters were the year, country of origin, method of eLearning reported, and type of article, as well as its conclusion. eLearning resources were additionally searched for using Google.

RESULTS

Of n = 301 identified articles by the MEDLINE search, n = 43 articles were analysed in detail. Applying defined criteria, n = 28 articles were excluded and n = 15 included. Most articles were generated within this decade, with groups from the USA, the UK and India having a leadership role. The majority of articles reviewed existing eLearning resources, others reported on the concept, development and use of generated eLearning resources. There was no article that scientifically assessed the effectiveness of eLearning resources (against traditional learning methods) in terms of efficacy or costs. Only one article reported on satisfaction rates with an eLearning tool. All authors of articles dealing with eLearning and the use of new media in neurosurgery uniformly agreed on its great potential and increasing future use, but most also highlighted some weaknesses and possible dangers.

CONCLUSION

This review found only a few articles dealing with the modern aspects of eLearning as an adjunct to postgraduate neurosurgery training. Comprehensive eLearning platforms offering didactic modules with clear learning objectives are rare. Two decades after the rise of eLearning in neurosurgery, some promising solutions are readily available, but the potential of eLearning has not yet been sufficiently exploited.