Simulation training plays a paramount role in medicine, especially when it comes to
mastering surgical skills. By simulating, students gain not only confidence, but expertise,
learning to apply theory in a safe environment. As the technological arsenal improved,
virtual reality and physical simulators have developed and are now an important part
of the Neurosurgery training curriculum. Based on deliberate practice in a controlled
space, simulation allows psychomotor skills augment without putting neither patients
nor students at risk. When compared to the master-apprentice ongoing model of teaching,
simutation becomes even more appealing as it is time-efficient, shortening the learning
curve and ultimately leading to error reduction, which is reflected by diminished
health care costs in the long run. In this chapter we will discuss the current state
of neurosurgery simulation, highlight the potential benefits of this approach, assessing
specific training methods and making considerations towards the future of neurosurgical
simulation.
Key-words:
Medical education - neurological surgery - neurosurgery - neurosurgical education
- simulation
