Artificial intelligence tutoring outperforms expert instructors in neurosurgical training
Machine learning algorithms enhanced technical performance and learning outcomes during simulated brain tumor removal

Date:
February 22, 2022
Source:
McGill University
Summary:
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented both challenges and
opportunities for medical training. Remote learning technology
has become increasingly important in several fields. A new study
finds that in a remote environment, an artificial intelligence
(AI) tutoring system can outperform expert human instructors.



FULL STORY ==========================================================================
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented both challenges and opportunities for medical training. Remote learning technology has become increasingly
important in several fields. A new study finds that in a remote
environment, an artificial intelligence (AI) tutoring system can
outperform expert human instructors.


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The Neurosurgical Simulation and Artificial Intelligence Learning
Centre at The Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital) recruited seventy medical students to perform virtual brain tumour removals on a neurosurgical simulator.

Students were randomly assigned to receive instruction and feedback by
either an AI tutor or a remote expert instructor, with a third control
group receiving no instruction.

An AI-powered tutor called the Virtual Operative Assistant (VOA) used a
machine learning algorithm to teach safe and efficient surgical technique
and provided personalized feedback, while a deep learning Intelligent Continuous Expertise Monitoring System (ICEMS) and a panel of experts
assessed student performance.

In the other group, remote instructors watched a live feed of the surgical simulations and provided feedback based on the student's performance.

The researchers found that students who received VOA instruction and
feedback learned surgical skills 2.6 times faster and achieved 36 per
cent better performance compared to those who received instruction and
feedback from remote instructors. And while researchers expected students instructed by VOA to experience greater stress and negative emotion,
they found no significant difference between the two groups.

Surgical skill plays an important role in patient outcomes both during and after brain surgery. VOA may be an effective way to increase neurosurgeon performance, improving patient safety while reducing the burden on
human instructors.

"Artificially intelligent tutors like the VOA may become a valuable
tool in the training of the next generation of neurosurgeons,"
says Dr. Rolando Del Maestro, the study's senior author. "The VOA
significantly improved expertise while fostering an excellent learning environment. Ongoing studies are assessing how in-person instructors and AI-powered intelligent tutors can most effectively be used together to
improve the mastery of neurosurgical skills." "Intelligent tutoring
systems can use a variety of simulation platforms to provide almost
unlimited chances for repetitive practice without the constraints
imposed by the availability of supervision," says Ali Fazlollahi, the
study's first author. "With continued research, increased development,
and dissemination of intelligent tutoring systems, we can be better
prepared for ever-evolving future challenges." This study, published
in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA Network Open)
on Feb. 22, 2022, was funded by the Franco Di Giovanni Foundation,
the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and the Brain
Tumour Foundation of Canada Tumour Research Grant along with The Neuro.

Cognitive assessment was led by Dr. Jason Harley at McGill University's Department of Surgery.

The Neuro The Neuro - The Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital - is
a bilingual, world-leading destination for brain research and advanced
patient care. Since its founding in 1934 by renowned neurosurgeon
Dr. Wilder Penfield, The Neuro has grown to be the largest specialized neuroscience research and clinical center in Canada, and one of the
largest in the world. The seamless integration of research, patient care,
and training of the world's top minds make The Neuro uniquely positioned
to have a significant impact on the understanding and treatment of nervous system disorders. In 2016, The Neuro became the first institute in the
world to fully embrace the Open Science philosophy, creating the Tanenbaum
Open Science Institute. The Montreal Neurological Institute is a McGill University research and teaching institute. The Montreal Neurological
Hospital is part of the Neuroscience Mission of the McGill University
Health Centre. For more information, please visit www.theneuro.ca
special promotion Explore the latest scientific research on sleep and
dreams in this free online course from New Scientist -- Sign_up_now_>>> ========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by McGill_University. Note: Content
may be edited for style and length.


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Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/02/220222121259.htm

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