Data_Sheet_1_Shadows and Lights: Perspectives of Training and Education in Neurosurgery for Undergraduate Students.docx

IntroductionNeurosurgical education should start during medical school to involve more students, favoring the recruitment of the most prepared and motivated ones and spreading this subject to the future medical generations. Despite multiple investigations, a dedicated educational plan does not exist. This study aims to assess the undergraduates' interests, needs, and perceptions of this subject.
Materials and MethodsThe survey was structured to collect demographic data of the participants, and to explore their interest in neurosurgery, their consideration of its importance in medical school, their opinions about the role of this subject in medical education, their needs in this training, and, the usefulness of this subject for their future career.
ResultsA total of 156 students participated in the survey. Interest in neurosurgery was shown by 76 (48.7%) participants, however, this subject was also perceived as intimidating by 86 (55.1%). Attending the first 2 years of medical school (p < 0.02), previous interest in neuroscience (p < 0.01), and in a surgical subject (p < 0.01) were the factors associated with a greater interest in this subject. Neurosurgery should be included in all students' education, according to 117 (75.0%) participants and practical operating room training should involve all students, according to 96 (61.5%). The most effective learning methods were considered internship (134, 85.9%), followed by participation in meetings or seminars (113, 72.4%). Online seminars were considered useful by 119 participants (76.3%). Neurosurgery was assessed as a potentially interesting career by 99 students (63.5%), who also considered that it can increase their preparation for other subjects (116, 74.4%).
ConclusionsNeurosurgery was positively considered by medicals students, who, however, also perceived it as intimidating and hardly approachable. Demonstration that knowledge of neurosurgical concepts can improve their preparation also in general medical settings and, not only in the field of neuroscience, can be useful to promote their interest toward this subject. A combination of lectures and practical internships is considered an effective learning method, which can be fruitfully associated with new technologies.

引言
神经外科教育应始于医学院阶段，以覆盖更多医学生，助力选拔最具准备度与积极性的人才，并将该学科知识传承给未来的医学生群体。尽管已有多项相关研究，但目前尚无专门的神经外科教育方案。本研究旨在评估医学生对神经外科的兴趣、需求及认知情况。
材料与方法
本调查问卷旨在收集受试者的人口统计学资料，并探究其对神经外科的兴趣、对该学科在医学院教学中重要性的认知、对其在医学教育中作用的看法、该培训的相关需求，以及该学科对其未来职业发展的实用性。
结果
本研究共纳入156名医学生参与调查。其中76名（48.7%）受试者表示对神经外科感兴趣，但同时有86名（55.1%）认为该学科具有一定难度、令人望而生畏。分析显示，就读医学院前两年（p < 0.02）、此前对神经科学（p < 0.01）及外科相关学科（p < 0.01）抱有兴趣，是与更高神经外科兴趣相关的影响因素。117名（75.0%）受试者认为所有医学生都应接受神经外科教育，96名（61.5%）主张所有学生都应参与手术室实操培训。最被认可的高效学习方式为临床实习（134例，85.9%），其次为参加学术会议或研讨会（113例，72.4%）。119名（76.3%）受试者认为线上研讨会具有实用性。99名（63.5%）学生认为神经外科是具备潜力的职业方向，且有116名（74.4%）学生认为学习神经外科知识可提升其对其他学科的知识储备水平。
结论
医学生对神经外科整体持积极态度，但同时也认为该学科颇具难度、难以入门。研究表明，掌握神经外科相关概念不仅可提升神经科学领域的知识储备，还能改善其在全科医学场景中的准备程度，这有助于提升学生对该学科的兴趣。理论授课与临床实习相结合被认为是高效的学习方式，可与新兴技术实现有效结合应用。