Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2021

Abstract

Background:

Neurosurgical education across the globe has undergone a significant change as a result of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Social distancing requirements have resulted in rapid transition to virtual meetings/symposia, grand rounds, lecture presentations, journal clubs, and case conferences. The present survey was performed to characterize perceptions of neurosurgical community globally towards neurosurgical online educational resources that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

A 21-question anonymous REDCap-based online survey was distributed to faculty, fellows, and residents in neurosurgical residency programs in US and across the globe between February 12, 2021 and March 16, 2021. Statistical analyses were performed using Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn’s multiple comparison test, and Wilcoxon matched-pairs rank test, as indicated. For all comparisons, a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

We received a total of 106 responses from 28 countries. Majority (91.9 %) found newly emerged virtual meetings/conferences during the COVID-19 pandemic to be useful, and majority (78.3%) agreed that after COVID-19 social restrictions are over, the neurosurgery meetings/conferences should remain virtual. The overall median Likert score for participants satisfaction with neurosurgery virtual education during the COVID-19 pandemic was 4 (satisfied). Majority of trainee (residents/fellows) participants agreed that COVID-19 has negatively affected their training (median Likert score = 4). The opinions regarding neurosurgery virtual education during the COVID-19 pandemic didn’t differ between respondents from high-income, upper middle-income, and lower middle-income countries or between neurosurgery attendings and trainees (residents/fellows). The percentage of overall time spent on virtual education was significantly higher during the COVID-19 pandemic year (median, 20; IQR, 5-57) as compared to pre-COVID year (median, 10; IQR = 0-30, p < 0.000).

Conclusion:

Our study reflects wide acceptance of virtual education by neurosurgical community irrespective of level of training or global region.

Comments

Poster presented at the Brain & Behavioral Health Research Day 2021

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