Pilot application of Lecture-Panel-Discussion Model (LPDM) in global collaborative neurosurgical education: a novel training paradigm innovated by the Swedish African Neurosurgery Collaboration

Background Disruptions in global surgery educational routines by the COVID-19 pandemic have elicited demands for alternative formats for rendering qualitative neurosurgical education. This study presents application of a novel model of online neurosurgical course, the Lecture-Panel-Discussion Model (LPDM). Methods This is a cross-sectional survey of participants who attended the Swedish African Neurosurgery Collaboration (SANC)-100A course. Participants evaluated the course through an online self-administered questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from very poor—1, poor—2, average (fair)—3, good—4, to excellent—5. SANC-100A comprises a tripod of Lec tures, Pa nel review, and interactive case D iscussion. This model (LPDM) was innovated by SANC and applied at the Enugu International Neurosurgery course in February 2021. Results There were 71 attendees, 19 were course faculty, while 52 were participants. Thirty-five attended from Nigeria, 11 from Sweden, 3 from Malawi, 2 from Senegal, and 1 from the UK. Among 44 participants who completed the questionnaire, there were 9 fellows and 35 residents. The overall median course Likert rating was 4.65 ± 0.1. The median overall rating for course events was similar between day 1 (Likert score = 4.45) and day 2 (Likert score = 4.55), U = 55, Z score = 1.10, P = 0.27. The median rating for lectures was 4.50 ± 0.2 and varied from 4.40 on day 1 to 4.55 on day 2. The median rating for panel review was 4.60 ± 0.1 and varied from 4.55 on day 1 to 4.65 on day 2. Interactive case discussions were rated 4.80 on both course days. There was a significant variability in the rating profiles of the course tripod: U = 24.5, P = 0.03. Fifty-one (98%) participants believe LPDM was COVID-19-compliant, while 90% believe the course was beneficial to training and practice. Conclusion Initial application of LPDM is rewarded with both high acceptance and high rating among participants.