Improving Neurosurgery Education Using Social Media Case-Based Discussions: A Pilot Study

Newall, Nicola; Smith, Brandon George; Burton, Oliver T.; Chari, Ajai; Kolias, Angelos G.; Hutchinson, Peter J.; Alamri, Alexander; Uff, Chris; Adegboyega, Gideon; Ali, Meedie; Chiuta, Sacha; Evans, Gwenllian; Hurley, Patrick; Mantle, Orla; Ota, Chidera; Perera, Duranka; Siig, Camilla; Tumpa, Stasa

doi:10.1016/j.wnsx.2021.100103

Cited by 12 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 23 publications

(27 reference statements)

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“…A discrepancy in perception between Western countries and low-to middle-income countries (LMICs) is sometimes observed: in fact, the ability to transfer knowledge and decision-making skills among colleagues, using social media in promoting the concept of “global” education, is advocated and beneficial especially for the clinicians from LMICs, 12 , 13 while it remains uncertain in Western countries due to the high educational offers. More than the concept of general value of a single webinar, it would be more important to ask: “What benefits do webinars offer you?”.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Webinar During COVID-19 Pandemic: Necessity or Uncontrolled Phenomena?

Costa

Servadei

2021

World Neurosurgery

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mentioning

confidence: 99%

Webinar During COVID-19 Pandemic: Necessity or Uncontrolled Phenomena?

Costa

Servadei

2021

World Neurosurgery

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“…As a consequence, we have observed that 76.3% of students would benefit from online seminars and other educational events accessible remotely, which in our country have been promoted also by the Italian Society of Neurosurgery (SINch). Recent studies have analyzed these innovative instruments, proposing that they could have a positive impact, increasing students' knowledge and self-confidence in managing neurosurgical patients ( 23 , 24 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Indeed, the large availability of neurosurgical videos on social media, YouTube channels, national scientific societies websites, but also of simulators and of exercises to improve manual skills with daily use objects (i.e., eggs, chicken wings, etc.) would permit a larger number of students to be exposed also to the most technical parts of the neurosurgical activities ( 23 – 25 ). However, we consider that such exposure requires to be guided and commented on by a mentor, to avoid the risk that students would wrongly consider the challenges of this surgery ( 22 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Shadows and Lights: Perspectives of Training and Education in Neurosurgery for Undergraduate Students

et al. 2022

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IntroductionNeurosurgical education should start during medical school to involve more students, favoring the recruitment of the most prepared and motivated ones and spreading this subject to the future medical generations. Despite multiple investigations, a dedicated educational plan does not exist. This study aims to assess the undergraduates' interests, needs, and perceptions of this subject.Materials and MethodsThe survey was structured to collect demographic data of the participants, and to explore their interest in neurosurgery, their consideration of its importance in medical school, their opinions about the role of this subject in medical education, their needs in this training, and, the usefulness of this subject for their future career.ResultsA total of 156 students participated in the survey. Interest in neurosurgery was shown by 76 (48.7%) participants, however, this subject was also perceived as intimidating by 86 (55.1%). Attending the first 2 years of medical school (p < 0.02), previous interest in neuroscience (p < 0.01), and in a surgical subject (p < 0.01) were the factors associated with a greater interest in this subject. Neurosurgery should be included in all students' education, according to 117 (75.0%) participants and practical operating room training should involve all students, according to 96 (61.5%). The most effective learning methods were considered internship (134, 85.9%), followed by participation in meetings or seminars (113, 72.4%). Online seminars were considered useful by 119 participants (76.3%). Neurosurgery was assessed as a potentially interesting career by 99 students (63.5%), who also considered that it can increase their preparation for other subjects (116, 74.4%).ConclusionsNeurosurgery was positively considered by medicals students, who, however, also perceived it as intimidating and hardly approachable. Demonstration that knowledge of neurosurgical concepts can improve their preparation also in general medical settings and, not only in the field of neuroscience, can be useful to promote their interest toward this subject. A combination of lectures and practical internships is considered an effective learning method, which can be fruitfully associated with new technologies.

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“…For example, during complex surgical procedures, neurosurgeons can use social networks to share information and receive feedback from their peers, helping to improve patient outcomes and decrease the risk of complications. Additionally, social networks can supply a platform for neurosurgeons to discuss difficult cases, request advice from colleagues, and receive support from their peers ( 10 , 11 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The importance of social networks in neurosurgery training in low/middle income countries

Encarnacion Ramirez,

Mukengeshay,

Chumtin

et al. 2024

Front. Surg.

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IntroductionNeurosurgery is evolving with new techniques and technologies, relies heavily on high-quality education and training. Social networks like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn have become integral to this training. These platforms enable sharing of surgical experiences, fostering global knowledge-sharing and collaboration among neurosurgeons. Virtual conferences and courses are accessible, enhancing learning regardless of location. While these networks offer real-time communication and collaborative opportunities, they also pose challenges like the spread of misinformation and potential distractions. According to the PICO format, the target population (P) for the purpose of this paper are medical students, neurosurgical residents and consultants on the role of social media (I) in neurosurgery among Low-Middle income countries (C) with the main outcome to understand the collaborative domain of learning.Material and methodThis cross-sectional survey, conducted in June-July 2023, involved 210 medical students, neurosurgery residents, fellows, and practicing neurosurgeons from low and middle-income countries. A structured questionnaire assessed social network usage for neurosurgery training, covering demographic details, usage frequency, and purposes like education, collaboration, and communication. Participants rated these platforms' effectiveness in training on a 1–5 scale. Data collection employed emails, social media groups, and direct messaging, assuring respondent anonymity. The survey aimed to understand and improve social networks' use in neurosurgery, focusing on professional development, challenges, and future potential in training.ResultsIn a survey of 210 participants from low and middle-income countries, 85.5% were male, 14.5% female, with diverse roles: 42.9% neurosurgery residents, 40% practicing neurosurgeons, 14.6% medical students, and 2.4% other healthcare professionals. Experience ranged from 0 to 35 years, with Mexico, Nigeria, and Kenya being the top participating countries. Most respondents rated neurosurgery training resources in their countries as poor or very poor. 88.7% used social media professionally, predominantly WhatsApp and YouTube. Content focused on surgical videos, research papers, and webinars. Concerns included information quality and data privacy. Interactive case discussions, webinars, and lectures were preferred resources, and most see a future role for social media in neurosurgery training.ConclusionsOur study underscores the crucial role of social media in neurosurgery training and practice in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Key resources include surgical videos, research papers, and webinars. While social media offers a cost-effective, global knowledge-sharing platform, challenges like limited internet access, digital literacy, and misinformation risks remain significant in these regions.

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Improving Neurosurgery Education Using Social Media Case-Based Discussions: A Pilot Study

Cited by 12 publications

References 23 publications

Webinar During COVID-19 Pandemic: Necessity or Uncontrolled Phenomena?

Webinar During COVID-19 Pandemic: Necessity or Uncontrolled Phenomena?

Shadows and Lights: Perspectives of Training and Education in Neurosurgery for Undergraduate Students

The importance of social networks in neurosurgery training in low/middle income countries

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