Training of maxillofacial surgeon: Leveraging technology. The African perspective

The last few decades has witnessed a quantum leap in the use of technology for training. The earlier employment of CDs, DVDs in giving instructions to trainee surgeons on how to acquire surgical skills and improve competence to the remote visuals for learning provided by HD videos laid the foundation for Visual Reality/Computer Based Simulation (VR/CBS). The military, aviation and industries have keyed in to the benefits from this technological advancement. Some surgical subspecialties have reported the utilisation of Virtual Environment/Simulation in acquisition of surgical skills. The utilisation ranged from simple wound closure to complex diagnostic and treatment procedures. Reports on the utilisation of this evolving technology in the training of Maxillofacial Surgeons though scanty have all emanated from the developed nations with absolute lack of reports from the continent of Africa. This paper therefore examines from the African perspective the leverage of technology in the training of Maxillofacial Surgeon.

This presentation examines the model of training and the technologies available in the training of maxillofacial surgery in Africa. The successes and failures of previous attempts at integrating technology to maxillofacial training on the continent are critically evaluated. It looks at how technology could be employed to complement and supplement models of instructions on maxillofacial surgical training. The potential benefits, barriers and challenges to effective utilisation of technology are discussed and the paper concluded with the future of maxillofacial training in Africa.

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Jan 27, 2018 | Posted by in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Comments Off on Training of maxillofacial surgeon: Leveraging technology. The African perspective

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