Shaping perceptions and inspiring future neurosurgeons: the value of a hands-on simulated aneurysm clipping workshops at a student-organized neurosurgical conference

Ashraf, M. et al. (2024) Shaping perceptions and inspiring future neurosurgeons: the value of a hands-on simulated aneurysm clipping workshops at a student-organized neurosurgical conference. Asian Journal of Neurosurgery, (doi: 10.1055/s-0043-1778634) (Early Online Publication)

Abstract

Objective: Early exposure to niche specialities, like neurosurgery, is essential to inform decisions about future training in these specialities. This study assesses the impact of a hands-on simulated aneurysm clipping workshop on medical students' and junior doctors' perceptions of neurosurgery at a student-organized neurosurgical conference. Methods: Ninety-six delegates were sampled from a hands-on workshop involving hydrogel three-dimensional printed aneurysms clipping using surgical microscopes. Consultant neurosurgeons facilitated the workshop. Changes in delegates' perceptions of neurosurgery were collected using Likert scale and free-text responses postconference. Results: Postworkshop, 82% of participants reported a positive impact on their perception of neurosurgery. Thematic analysis revealed that delegates valued the hands-on experience, exposure to microsurgery, and interactions with consultant neurosurgeons. Thirty-six of the 96 delegates (37.5%) expressed that the workshop dispelled preconceived fears surrounding neurosurgery and improved understanding of a neurosurgeon's day-to-day tasks. Several delegates initially apprehensive about neurosurgery were now considering it as a career. Conclusion: Hands-on simulated workshops can effectively influence medical students' and junior doctors' perceptions of neurosurgery, providing valuable exposure to the specialty. By providing a valuable and immersive introduction to the specialty, these workshops can help to dispel misconceptions, fears, and apprehensions associated with neurosurgery, allowing them to consider the specialty to a greater degree than before. This study of a one-time workshop cannot effectively establish its long-term impact on said perceptions, however.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Early Online Publication
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Davidson, Dr Amy and Hassan, Mr Samih and Ashraf, Dr Mohammad
• Authors: Ashraf, M., Ismahel, H., Shah, D., Elizabeth Stewart Middleton, E., Gardee, A., Chaudhary, A., Al Salloum, L., Evans, V., Nelson-Hughes, M., Cheng, Y., Goonewardena, E., Ball, E., Minnis, M., Kosisochukwu Anyaegbunam, G., Salim, O., Bashir Binti Azad Bashir, A., Hay, S., Ismahel, N., Ismahel, S., Mackenzie, I., Wang, W., Shew, W., Wynne, S., Doherty, J., Hassan, S., Brown, J., Bhattathiri, P., Davidson, A., and Alakandy, L.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Asian Journal of Neurosurgery
• Publisher: Georg Thieme
• ISSN: 1793-5482
• ISSN (Online): 2248-9614
• Published Online: 02 April 2024
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2024 Asian Congress of Neurological Surgeons
• First Published: First published in Asian Journal of Neurosurgery 2024
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons license