Neurosurgery Simulators Developed for Neurosurgical Training in Brazil: A Systematic Review

Introduction Simulation in neurosurgery is a growing trend in medical residency programs around the world due to the concerns there are about patient safety and the advancement of surgical technology. Simulation training can improve motor skills in a safe environment before the actual setting is initiated in the operating room. The aim of this review is to identify articles that describe Brazilian simulators, their validation status and the level of evidence (LoE). Methodology This study was conducted using the Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A search was performed in the Medline, Scielo, and Cochrane Library databases. The studies were evaluated according to the Medical Education Research Quality Instrument (MERSQI), and the LoE of the study was established according to the classification system of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM), which has been adapted by the European Association of Endoscopic Surgery. Results Of all the studies included in this review, seven referred to validated simulators. These 7 studies were assigned an average MERSQI score of 8.57 from 18 possible points. None of the studies was randomized or conducted in a high-fidelity environment. The best evidence was provided by the studies with the human placenta model, which received a score of 2b and a degree of recommendation of 3. Conclusion Brazilian simulators can be reproduced in the different laboratories that are available in the country. The average MERSQI score of Brazilian studies is similar to the international average score. New studies should be undertaken to seek greater validation of the simulators and carry out randomized controlled trials.

The Importance of Student Leagues on Medical Training in Neurosurgery and Residency Choice

Introdução Distúrbios neurológicos e neurocirúrgicos são altamente prevalentes no Brasil. O atendimento inicial é realizado por médicos generalistas, o que demonstra a importância dos estudos práticos e teóricos em neurologia e neurocirurgia nos cursos de graduação em medicina. Objetivos Descrever a escolha da especialidade médica dos formandos da Liga Acadêmica de Neurocirurgia da Escola Paulista de Medicina (LNC-EPM) e mapear a composição dos cursos de neurologia e/ou neurocirurgia e a presença de ligas acadêmicas dessas disciplinas nas escolas médicas do Brasil. Métodos Levantamento pessoal ou por rede social com todos os membros da liga de neurocirurgia da EPM de 2007 a 2015 quanto a conclusão do curso e a residência escolhida. Envio de um formulário online para todas as escolas médicas cadastradas no Conselho Federal de Medicina (CFM). Resultados e Discussão Cinquenta e sete graduandos de medicina já participaram da LNC-EPM, sendo que 45 já concluíram a graduação, 6 fizeram neurocirurgia e 5 neurologia. Conseguimos respostas de 128 das 173 escolas médicas cadastradas no CFM. Um total de 91% das escolas respondeu que possuem curso de neurologia estruturado. Esses cursos dividem-se em: 32 exclusivamente teóricos, com 12 abordando a neurocirurgia; 84 teórico-práticos, com 51 abordando a neurocirurgia. Apenas 19% das faculdades apresentam curso próprio estruturado de neurocirurgia, sendo que metade destes é apenas teórico. Um total de 66% das universidades tem liga acadêmica das disciplinas citadas. Conclusão Nota-se que a presença de ligas acadêmicas de neurologia e neurocirurgia em 66% das escolas médicas brasileiras é, muitas vezes, usada para suprir conhecimento teórico-prático que deveria ser abordado na graduação. Infelizmente, apenas 9,5% das escolas tem curso teórico-prático próprio de neurocirurgia na grade curricular, um fato que é preocupante devido à alta prevalência das doenças neurológicas na população.

Evaluation of the impact of collaborative work by teams from the National Medical Residency Committee and the Brazilian Society of Neurosurgery. Retrospective and prospective study / Avaliação do impacto do trabalho conjunto das equipes da Comissão Nacional de Residência Médica e da Sociedade Brasileira de Neurocirurgia. Estudo retrospectivo e prospectivo

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Training for specialist physicians in Brazil can take place in different ways. Closer liaison between institutions providing this training and assessment and health care services may improve qualifications. This article analyzes the impact of closer links and joint work by teams from the National Medical Residency Committee (Comissão Nacional de Residência Médica, CNRM) and the Brazilian Society of Neurosurgery (Sociedade Brasileira de Neurocirurgia, SBN) towards evaluating these programs. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective and prospective study, conducted in a public university on a pilot project developed between CNRM and SBN for joint assessment of training programs across Brazil. METHODS: The literature in the most relevant databases was reviewed. Documents and legislation produced by official government bodies were evaluated. Training locations were visited. Reports produced about residency programs were analyzed. RESULTS: Only 26% of the programs were immediately approved. The joint assessments found problems relating to teaching and to functioning of clinical service in 35% of the programs. The distribution of programs in this country has a strong relationship with the Human Development Index (HDI) of the regions and is very similar to the distribution of specialists. CONCLUSION: Closer collaboration between the SBN and CNRM had a positive impact on assessment of neurosurgery medical residency across the country. The low rates of direct approval have produced modifications and improvements to the quality of teaching and care (services). Closer links between the CNRM and other medical specialties have the capability to positively change the structure and function of specialty training in Brazil.

RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: A formação do médico especialista no Brasil pode ocorrer por diferentes vias. A aproximação das instituições que realizam essas formações e avaliam os médicos e as instituições de saúde pode trazer benefícios na qualificação. Este artigo analisa o impacto dessa aproximação e o trabalho conjunto das equipes da Comissão Nacional de Residência Médica (CNRM) e da Sociedade Brasileira de Neurocirurgia (SBN) na avaliação desses programas. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo retrospectivo e prospectivo, conduzido em uma universidade pública, sobre projeto piloto elaborado entre CNRM e SBN na avaliação conjunta dos programas de treinamento pelo Brasil. MÉTODOS: Revisão de literatura nas principais bases de dados, documentos e legislações produzidas por órgãos oficiais governamentais, visitas aos locais de formação e análise dos relatórios e pareces produzidos sobre os programas de residência médica. RESULTADOS: Apenas 26% dos programas foram aprovados diretamente. As avaliações conjuntas encontraram problemas relacionados ao ensino e ao funcionamento do serviço em cerca de 35% dos programas. A distribuição dos programas no país tem forte relação com o Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano (IDH) das regiões e é muito semelhante à distribuição dos especialistas. CONCLUSÃO: A aproximação da SBN com a CNRM teve impacto positivo na avaliação das residências médicas em neurocirurgia no país. Os índices baixos de aprovação direta forçaram a realização de modificações e melhorias na qualidade de ensino e assistência (serviço). A aproximação da CNRM e das demais especialidades médicas pode alterar positivamente a estrutura e o funcionamento da formação médica no país.

Neurosurgical Videos on YouTube / Vídeos Neurocirúrgicos no YouTube

Introduction Videos can become valuable teaching tools and YouTube is a useful tool to disseminate information. It was created in February, 2005; since then, there has been a rapid expansion of YouTube videos on several subjects. Neurosurgery is not an exception in this trend, and several channels on the topic are available at the YouTube website. Methods We analyzed many articles related to the theme in several medicine specialties. In this study, we balance the pros and cons of this new technology, to foster a discussion of these changes, as well as to explain how to create and get the most fromit. We also list some interesting channels and their features as examples and suggestions. Results YouTube should be the main platform for supporting instructional videos, although it is important to be cautious at this time, as the platform still lacks good quality videos. Conclusion This technology could turn into a very important tool for learning and teaching neurosurgery. Educational institutions should guide an effort for better quality videos and broader content coverage, which could also achieve superior training at no cost.

Introdução Vídeos podem tornar-se ferramentas de ensino valiosas e o YouTube é uma plataforma muito útil para a disseminação da informação. Desde sua criação em fevereiro de 2005, houve grande expansão na quantidade dos vídeos de vários conteúdos e a neurocirurgia não está fora dessa onda, muitos canais relacionados podem ser encontrados no YouTube. Métodos Analisamos artigos relacionados ao tema em várias especialidades médicas. Balanceamos prós e contras dessa nova tecnologia, estimulamos a discussão dessas mudanças e ainda explicamos como criar e ter máximo proveito. Alguns canais interessantes são também listas como exemplos e sugestões. Resultados O YouTube deve ser a principal plataforma para vídeos instrucionais, mas nesse momento o conteúdo deve ser tomado com cuidado, uma vez que há ainda escassez de vídeos de boa qualidade. Conclusão Essa tecnologia pode tornar-se importante ferramenta na aprendizagem e ensino da neurocirurgia. Um esforço para vídeos de boa qualidade e maior abrangência de conteúdo deveria ser guiado por instituições de ensino, que também podem conseguir treinamentos melhores e mais baratos.

Realidade virtual e estereoscopia no ensino da neuroanatomia e neurocirurgia / Virtual reality and stereoscopy for neuroanatomy and neurosurgery teaching

Objetivo: Por motivos diversos, o ensino da neuroanatomia durante a graduação médica e na residência de neurocirurgia é deficitário. Apresentamos a realidade virtual e a estereoscopia como eventuais métodos complementares de ensino à neuroanatomia e neurocirurgia. Método: Diversa gama de conteúdo digital interativo e estereoscópico foi produzida utilizando esterogramas de dissecações anatômicas. Resultados: A realidade virtual tenta melhor elaborar o ensino da neuroanatomia e neurocirurgia. Embora o trabalho verse sobre neuroanatomia e neurocirurgia, esses recursos podem ser empregados em qualquer área médica. Conteúdo anatômico de excelência foi adquirido e armazenado de modo que pôde ser manipulado por programa de realidade virtual e estereoscopia. Conclusão: A realidade virtual e a estereoscopia são ferramentas úteis no ensino e na aprendizagem da neuroanatomia e da neurocirurgia.

Objective: Because of numerous factors, neuroanatomy and microneurosurgical anatomy knowledge are insufficient during medical school and medical residency in neurosurgery. We present virtual reality and stereoscopy as eventual complementary teaching tools of neuroanatomy and neurosurgery. Method: A vast array of digital interactive and stereoscopic material has been created based on stereograms of real anatomical dissections. Results: The purpose of virtual reality is try to offer a better and more elaborate means for teaching neuroanatomy and neurosurgery. Although this paper has focused virtual reality and stereoscopy on neuroanatomy and neurosurgery, these tools can be applied to virtually all s of medicine. An excellent anatomical content has been collected and included in the virtual reality program, using stereoscopy. Conclusion: The virtual reality and stereoscopy are useful learning and teaching tools for neuroanatomy and neurosurgery.

Women in Brazilian neurosurgery

Medicine remained as a male profession during many centuries, but the proportion of women rosesteadily during the second part of the 20th century in the world and in Brazil. In 2006 they became themajority (51.75%) of the new physicians licensed by the Regional Council of Medicine of the State of SãoPaulo. Nevertheless, the proportion of women in Neurosurgery and in directive posts in entities of thespecialty in Brazil continue very low or absent. Data obtained from the Brazilian Society of Neurosurgeryand the Brazilian Academy of Neurosurgery are very similar to those of the American counterparts, likethe proportion of women among the associates, around 5%, and one single female chief of a servicecertified for training in each country. Authors from WINS, an American entity, reported several problemssuffered by female neurosurgeons, including gender discrimination. Such occurrences, as reported inonline news, should alert against discriminatory attitudes.

Mulheres na neurocirurgia no BrasilA medicina remanesceu como uma profissão masculina durante muitos séculos, mas a proporção demulheres aumentou constantemente durante a segunda metade do século XX no mundo e no Brasil.Em 2006, elas passaram a constituir a maioria (51,75%) dos novos médicos licenciados pelo ConselhoRegional de Medicina do Estado de São Paulo. Todavia, a proporção de mulheres na neurocirurgia e emcargos diretivos de entidades da especialidade no Brasil continua muito baixa ou ausente. Dados obtidos daSociedade Brasileira de Neurocirurgia e da Academia Brasileira de Neurocirurgia são muito semelhantes aosdas congêneres americanas, como a proporção de mulheres entre as associadas, em torno de 5%, e umaúnica chefe de serviço credenciado para treinamento em cada país. Autoras da WINS, entidade americana,relataram diversos problemas enfrentados pelas neurocirurgiãs, incluindo discriminações de gênero.Ocorrências dessa natureza, noticiadas em jornais eletrônicos, devem alertar contra atitudes discriminatórias.

Assessment of the educational experience in the Neurosurgery Residency Program of the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus

OBJECTIVE: In 2003, the American Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) made significant changes in the medical postgraduate training policies, especially the 80 Duty Hours per Week regulation. The Neurological Surgery Department at Mayo Clinic performed a national survey regarding the perceptions of program directors and residents on how compliance with the ACGME requirements has changed neurosurgery training. Using a similar methodology, we analyzed the University of Puerto Rico's Medical Sciences Campus, Neurological Surgery Division's resident and faculty staff perceptions with regard the way its training is currently performed. METHODS: Anonymous questionnaires were distributed among the neurosurgery division's resident and faculty staff at the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus. Performance on the American Neurological Surgery Board (ANSB) written examinations was obtained from residents' records. The quantity and types of surgeries performed by residents was retrieved from neurosurgery section computer files. The relevant data was entered into a database and descriptive analysis and frequency distributions were performed. RESULTS: Surveys showed some concerns from both residents and attending physicians on the topics of inpatient and outpatient facilities, research activities, duty hours and the number of residents currently in the program. An upward trend in the residents' ANSB written examination performance was observed over the years. The residents' yearly number and diversity of surgical procedures were adequate. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the results from the surveys, the performance of residents in the Board examination, and their surgical experience, it is concluded that the general perception of the educational experience in neurosurgery is satisfactory but improvements could be made.

Laboratorio de microneuroanatomía y microcirugía: una necesidad real para la práctica neuroquirúrgica / Microneuroanatomy and microsurgery laboratory: a real need to the neurosurgery practice

En la formación de un neurocirujano es fundamental el conocimiento de la microanatomía cerebral, espinal y del sistema nervioso periférico, así como el entrenamiento en abordajes quirúrgicos y técnicas de microcirugía. El acceso a un laboratorio y a un programa docente permanente en microneuroanatomía y técnicas microquirúrgicas aporta enormes beneficios en la formación y práctica de la neurocirugía. En el presente artículo se presenta la experiencia del laboratorio de microneurocirugía del Departamento de Neurología-Neurocirugía del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile en las áreas de investigación, docencia y entrenamiento.

Chronic subdural hematoma: results of a homogeneous series of 159 patients operated on by residents.

AIMS: A series of cases with chronic subdural hematoma operated upon by residents in neurosurgery is analysed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 159 patients treated between 1998 and 2001 were included in the study. Mean age was 76.4 years and male/female ratio was 1.7/1. The patients were classified both on admission and at discharge according to the Markwalder scale. The standard operative procedure consisted of an enlarged single burr-hole, rinsing the subdural space with iso-osmotic saline solution and insertion of a subdural drain. CONCLUSION: In CSDH, operation by the residents is safe and the results are comparable to those of the major series of the literature as the surgical procedure is standardized.

Ideal ward round making in neurosurgical practice.

The success of a perfect ward round lies in the role of the consultant leading the 'round making group' (RMG) as well as the hallmark of effective questioning and participation of each member. Twelve senior consultants with more than 10 years' experience in neurosurgical practice at three different university hospitals were observed during round making by a participant observer. Observations were made on the group climate of the RMG, the leadership pattern and language expressed by the clinician conducting the round and the effectiveness in his performance as a leader during clinical discussions. The group climate showed evidence of good productivity and flexibility with 92% and 75% consultants, pleasantness of climate was above average with only 50% (6/12) and poor objectivity with 42% (5/12) consultants. Forty two percent of the consultants were not always very well comprehensible, while only 50% (6/12) spoke exactly fitting the occasion. Only 33% (4/12) of the consultants used humour effectively, while 42% (5/12) spoke unnecessarily in between discussion and were poor in introducing the problems of patient to the round making group. Ward round making in neurosurgical practice needs a holistic approach with motivation, planning, leadership skills and structured curriculum to fulfill its objectives.