1219 Innovative Growth and Development of a Neurological Surgery Residency Cadaveric Spine-Simulation Training Program

INTRODUCTION: Cadaveric and dry 3D model-based simulation training is a valuable educational tool for neurosurgical residents. Such simulation training is an opportunity for residents to hone technical skills and decision-making and enhance their neuroanatomy knowledge. METHODS: A four-part spine surgical simulation series, including two human cadaveric and two dry 3D model-based courses, was created to provide resident spine procedure training. Residents participated in the spine simulation series (2017-2021) and completed annual course curriculum and anonymous post-course evaluations. Evaluations included both Likert scale items and free-text responses. Responses to Likert scale items were analyzed in Python. Free-text responses were quantified using the Valence Aware Dictionary for Sentiment Reasoner. Descriptive statistics were calculated and plotted using Python's seaborn and matplotlib library modules. RESULTS: The analysis included 129 spine (occipitocervical, thoracolumbar, and spine model fusion I and II) simulation course evaluations. Likert responses demonstrated high average responses for evaluation questions (4.67 ± 0.90 and above). The average compound sentiment value was 0.58 ± 0.28. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first time Likert responses and sentiment analysis have been used to demonstrate how neurosurgical residents positively value a hands-on spine simulation training. Simulation is an essential component of neurosurgical resident education training. The authors encourage other neurosurgical education programs to develop and leverage spine simulation as a teaching tool.