Assessment of Google Glass as an adjunct in neurological surgery.

Background: We assess Google Glass ("Glass") in improving postoperative review ("debriefing") and augmenting education in Neurological Surgery at a tertiary academic medical center.

Methods: This was a prospective study. Participants were patients of Neurological Surgery physicians at a Tertiary Care Level 1 Academic Trauma Center. Resident physicians received a pre-questionnaire immediately following surgery. Next, the resident and attending physicians debriefed by reviewing the Glass operative recording. Then, residents completed a 4-part post-questionnaire. Questions 1-3 assessed: (1) the residents' comfort level with the procedure, (2) the quality of education provided by their superiors, and (3) their comfort level in repeating the operation. Question 4 assessed: (4) the perceived benefit of debriefing using Glass.

Results: Twelve surveys were collected. Scores were based on a 5-point Likert scale, with a higher score corresponding to a more positive response. For Questions 1-3, the average pre- and post-questionnaire scores were 3.75 and 4.42, respectively ( <.05). For Question 4, the average post-questionnaire score was 4.63, suggesting that postoperative Glass review improved their technical understanding of the procedure.

Conclusions: Glass significantly improved neurosurgery residents' comfort level and quality of training, and provided a high fidelity, reliable, and modifiable tool that enhanced residents' understanding, expertise, and educational experience. Of note, certain limitations such as variable battery life, variable image quality, and subpar compatibility with surgeon loupes must still be overcome for Glass to become a realistic addition to neurosurgical education.