Neurophysiological monitoring simulation using flash animation for anesthesia resident training

INTRODUCTION: Surgery of the spine is associated with the possible complication of permanent nerve injury. Neurophysiological monitoring is widely used during spine surgery to decrease the incidence and severity of neurologic injury. A profound understanding of physiological and pharmacological factors influencing evoked potentials is expected from the anesthesia provider. METHODS: Because demonstration and teaching of all somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) changes is difficult in the clinical environment, we developed human patient simulator scenarios to facilitate the anesthesia resident training in neurophysiological monitoring. A SSEP simulation for resident training was created using flash animation in a patient simulation program and is the focus of this report. Feedback from participants (anesthesia residents) was obtained by a postscenario survey. RESULTS: This report provides a detailed description of the scenario and computer program. The survey findings indicated that the simulation session is an effective teaching method of SSEP monitoring. CONCLUSION: Flash animation integration into a patient simulation program for SSEP monitoring appears to be an effective method for anesthesia resident education in neurophysiological monitoring.