The Transformative Power of Free Online Media in Neurosurgical Education.

Abstract

In an era in which digital connectivity transcends geographical borders, multimedia platforms can affect neurosurgical education on a global scale. Multimedia educational programs are reaching neurosurgeons worldwide, exposing them to complex cases and novel techniques that they might not otherwise see. After collecting analytical data on engagement with Barrow Neurological Institute's Barrow Live Surgery, Neurosurgery Base Camp, and Seven Series, as well as its educational posts published on the social media platforms YouTube, Instagram, and X, a survey was developed to measure the effect of each program on viewer confidence and knowledge. Data from academic institutions with active neurosurgical multimedia channels (>30 000 impressions) were used as a comparator. Statistical tests were conducted using R (version 4.3.2) with significance defined as P < .05. Between October 23, 2020, and July 18, 2024, Barrow Neurological Institute's educational material had 1 906 197 views and 21 754 hours of total watch time, reaching more than 30 low- and middle-income countries. Barrow Neurological Institute had the most impressions and the highest impression-to-subscriber ratio among comparable institutions. Viewers preferred engaging with videos in a continuous series rather than with segmented episodes. Forty-nine percent of survey respondents resided outside the United States, and 26% were from low- and middle-income countries. Based on a 10-point Likert scale, median confidence in treating complex cases increased from 1 to 4 ( P < .001) and confidence in recognizing disease pathophysiology increased from 2.5 to 5.5 ( P < .001). Our results suggest that free online media can democratize access to advanced neurosurgical education, especially in areas with limited access to specialized training.