1248 Fostering Global Neurosurgical Innovation and Collaboration Through Virtual Hackathons

INTRODUCTION: Addressing global neurosurgical disparities necessitates innovative educational and collaborative approaches that transcend geographical boundaries. Virtual hackathons provide a platform for medical students from high- and low-income countries to collaborate, fostering diversity in thinking and resource sharing. METHODS: Hackathon programming and events were conducted. Pre- and post-event surveys assessed changes in attitudes toward innovation and collaboration. Further post-event analysis was completed to assess how “personas” of participants experienced the hackathon depending on their diverse backgrounds. RESULTS: The pre- and post-surveys had a 91% completion rate . Of the four domains assessed in the pre- and post-hackathon surveys, statistically significant changes in perspectives were found in three domains following the intervention: Innovation (p < 0.001), Professional Development (p < 0.001), and Education/Pedagogy (p < 0.01). Compared to their HIC counterparts, non-medical students from LMICs reported an increased understanding of global health and neurosurgery (p = 0.039). Compared to non-medical students in preformed groups, non-medical students in assembled teams saw an increase in their belief that collaboration between countries of different socioeconomic statuses could improve healthcare outcomes in LMICs (p = 0.031). Compared to medical students in preformed groups, medical students in assembled teams reported an increased belief that diverse backgrounds and experiences can enhance innovation in medicine (p = 0.049). Non-medical students with little to no neurosurgery mentorship before the Hackathon reported increased access to mentors within neurosurgery (p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: The 2023 virtual hackathon demonstrated that diverse international collaboration enhances global neurosurgical education and innovation. Multinational teams highlighted the value of cross-cultural collaboration in improving healthcare outcomes in LMICs. The hackathon increased access to neurosurgical mentorship, underscoring its potential to empower future leaders.