Virtual pedagogy in neurosurgery during the COVID-19 pandemic: Perspectives from university hospital in Nepal

OBJECTIVES: Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic many large institutions have turned towards virtual education. Neurosurgery in our institute, recognizing its benefits, readily embraced the virtual learning experience using Zoom Inc (San Jose, California) beginning on May 21, 2020. The result of this form of educational experience may not be apparent readily. Hence, nearing the end of one year of monthly Zoom meetings, an effort was undertaken to assess the feasibility and the barriers of effective virtual teaching learning activity in neurosurgery among the participants. METHODS: The participants consisted of neurosurgeons and trainees from department of neurosurgery Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Nepal, neurosurgeons based in Seattle, United States of America and neurosurgeons based in Sweden, who have been regularly attending the monthly virtual education organized by Dr. Wohns. At the end of one-year experience of monthly Zoom teaching and learning activities between the participants a questionnaire comprising objective questions related to their experience of virtual education in neurosurgery was distributed to the participants and answers were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 18 persons out of 25 responded to the questionnaire. Majority of participants responded favorably to virtual education. A few responders faced disturbance in internet connectivity affecting the quality of video and sound during the presentations. None of the participants faced inconvenience due to time difference. Most responders preferred to continue virtual education even after the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: Overall most participants responded favorably to virtual education which has helped them increase their participation and hence broaden their knowledge in the field. Most participants look forward to continuing this form of education even in future. Thus, this form of education may be incorporated at least in part in the future of neurosurgical training.