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. 2020 May 7;12(5):e8015.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.8015.

Closing the Gap in Global Neurosurgical Education via Online Conference: A Pre-Covid Survey

Simon R Downes  1 , Tatiana Lykina  2
Affiliations

Closing the Gap in Global Neurosurgical Education via Online Conference: A Pre-Covid Survey

Simon R Downes et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Introduction A reliable network for peer review and feedback can lead to an increase in knowledge and improving patient care. As opportunities to participate in online continuing medical education (CME) increase, there is a reduction in the worldwide knowledge gap often due to a lack of resources to attend conferences and advanced training in person. Methods A total of 64 participants completed a 10-item anonymous online questionnaire to assess how their knowledge and applied practical skills improved by participating in online conferences, and whether this education modality adequately addresses challenges for countries with limited access to conferences or training. Results While an overall positive response toward this mode of neurosurgical education was expected, interesting insights were gained from the short-answer section, demonstrating a direct influence on clinical practice through online conference participation. Conclusion While limited in size, the study results support the expectation of a positive attitude toward neurosurgical e-learning, which translates directly to improving patient care and lessening the worldwide gap in neurosurgical education.

Keywords: cme; covid-19; e-learning; medical education; neurosurgery; online education.

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Conflict of interest statement

I am affiliated with an online neurosurgery training and conferencing platform called www.neurosurgical.tv.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. What is your impression of online webinars/conferences?
Figure 2
Figure 2. Neurosurgical online education is a useful form of medical education.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Virtual neurosurgical education can extend educational opportunities for all levels of neurosurgeons.
Figure 4
Figure 4. Do you plan to attend other online neurosurgical education sessions?
Figure 5
Figure 5. Virtual neurosurgical education can help unify international neurosurgical knowledge.
Figure 6
Figure 6. Virtual neurosurgical education enhances the performance level of neurosurgeons.
Figure 7
Figure 7. E-Learning should take a more prominent role in neurosurgical education.
Figure 8
Figure 8. Word cloud for the question ‘Can you give specific examples of what you learned that you are going to take back to your practice to benefit patients?’
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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