Virtual Reality Simulator Enhances Ergonomics Skills for Neurosurgeons

Abstract

This paper aims to assess the needs of neurosurgical training in order to strategize the future plans for simulation and rehearsal. The main objective is to investigate the ability of virtual reality to enhance the training. An online questionnaire has been conducted among surgeons practicing in different countries across the globe. The study shows significant differences in rehearsal methods and surgical teaching methods practiced by the respondents. Among respondents, 90% did believe that virtual reality technology can serve surgical training, and almost all respondents agreed that there is a gap in the existing neurosurgical training in terms of operating room ergonomics. Adequate education on surgical ergonomics might lead to an improvement in the outcomes for both surgeon and patient. The contribution of the paper is twofold. One side investigates the new requirements for the enhancement of neurosurgeon training and adoption on a virtual reality simulator. The other side contributes to the body of knowledge related to the required ergonomics skills.