High-Fidelity Simulation in Neuroanaesthesia

Abstract

Simulation is a hugely versatile education tool, offering opportunities to practice domain-related knowledge and procedural skills themselves in an environment that is psychologically safe for the learner and without risking patient safety. Simulation comes into its own when established multidisciplinary clinical teams can practice critical incident management together, as it provides a concrete learning experience upon which to act, reflect and share mental models of specific clinical problems and hone non-technical and human factors skills. Anaesthesia as a specialty has been a driving force behind immersive simulation training, and the time for regular cross specialty simulation training has come. This is particularly relevant to the practice of neurosurgery where an acute incident has profound effects on the operative site, and the physiology of our patients requires rapid yet complex management. This chapter outlines some of the considerations for undertaking high-fidelity immersive simulation for neuroanaesthesia and outlines some of the evidence for its utility as well as key components for successful learning.