NeuroMetaverses for neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry

<h3>Background</h3> The metaverse is emerging as a transformative force in neurology, neurosurgery, and neuropsychiatry education. It achieves this by harnessing immersive virtual environments strongly premised on Maslow’s hierarchy and needs theory. The technology promises innovative educational approaches, enabling advanced simulations and interactive learning. <h3>Methods</h3> The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Metanalysis guidelines were used to systematically review the literature on metaverse applications in neurosurgical, neurology, and psychiatry training, focusing on educational outcomes and user engagement. <h3>Results</h3> From 420 publications were identified, deduplicated (n=76), and screened with 24 selected for final inclusion. Findings showed that neurology benefits from virtual patient simulations, enhancing diagnostic acumen. Neurosurgery trainees can engage in virtual surgical practice, honing skills without patient risk. Psychiatry also utilizes virtual scenarios for therapy training, improving clinical empathy and communication. The metaverse deepens comprehension of medical complexities and procedural abilities through interactive learning, with its accessibility facilitating widespread knowledge transfer and collaboration. Challenges associated with integration are further impeded by financial and infrastructural barriers, with ethical concerns in psychiatric simulation and discrepancies between virtual and real-world skills. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Technological advancements promise to refine the metaverse’s educational potential, signaling a paradigm shift towards a standardized, accessible global medical training framework. This innovation is pivotal for advancing neuroscience education, preparing clinicians for future challenges, and enhancing patient care quality. Embracing metaverse technologies is crucial for the progressive evolution of healthcare training.