E-Learning for Neurosurgery Residents: Knowledge, Attitudes, Benefits and Challenges

Due to neurosurgery's clinical and practical nature, this study aimed to evaluate the applicability and effectiveness of e-learning for neurosurgery residents.

This cross-sectional observational study, conducted in 2022, included 125 neurosurgery residents selected through census sampling from six medical universities in Iran: Isfahan, Tehran, Mashhad, Shiraz, Tabriz, and Mazandaran. Data were collected using Tashkandi’s (2021) standardized questionnaire, focusing on four variables associated with e-learning.

The results demonstrated that residents were familiar with e-learning tools, including mobile-based learning, hyperlinks, online classes, discussion boards, e-assessments, electronic resources, and problem-based learning. Approximately 77.2% of participants reported sufficient knowledge acquisition through mobile-based learning, while 60% described their engagement in e-learning as moderate. A total of 97 residents (77.6%) preferred in-person learning over e-learning.

To improve the integration of e-learning in neurosurgery education, significant enhancements to information infrastructure, bandwidth, and technology are required. Furthermore, educational software should be tailored to individual specialties, incorporating expert recommendations, detailed specialty-specific content, and advanced simulations.