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eLearning resources to supplement postgraduate neurosurgery training

  • Original Article - Neurosurgery Training
  • Published:
Acta Neurochirurgica Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

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.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Simon Shorvon, Professor of Neurology at the Institute of Neurology, University College London, UK, for critically reviewing the article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, UniversitätsSpital Zürich, Frauenklinikstrasse 10, 8091, Zürich, Switzerland

    Martin N. Stienen & Luca Regli

  2. Department of Neurosurgery and Faculté de Médicine, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, Genève, Switzerland

    Karl Schaller

  3. Institute of Medical & Biomedical Education, St George’s University of London, London, UK

    Hannah Cock

  4. Department of Neurology, State University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Nicolae Testemitanu”, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova

    Vitalie Lisnic

  5. Department of Neurosurgery, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK

    Simon Thomson

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  1. Martin N. Stienen
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Correspondence to Martin N. Stienen.

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MNS, HC, VL and ST are Clinical Leads for ebrain but have no financial conflict of interest to declare

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Stienen, M.N., Schaller, K., Cock, H. et al. eLearning resources to supplement postgraduate neurosurgery training. Acta Neurochir 159, 325–337 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-016-3042-7

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