Use of Artificial Intelligence Software Helpful for Regional Anesthesia Education in Self-Reported Questionnaire in Academic Medical Center Setting

Background: The field of regional ultrasound has changed drastically in the past few decades with the widespread use of ultrasound and improvement of ultrasound images and enhancement of needle visibility on ultrasound. The field is continuing to improve with novel advancements in artificial intelligence software to enhance the field of regional anesthesia education. However, there has been relatively little research on the use of artificial intelligence software on the provision of regional anesthesia education. This study looked to discover the usability of one artificial intelligence software, the NerveBlox® software, in a self-reported questionnaire in an academic medical center among trainees and faculty anesthesiologists. Methods: 11 anesthesiologists and 25 anesthesiology residents at the University of Wisconsin used the NerveBlox® software to simulate performing supraclavicular and adductor canal nerve blocks on standardized patients and filled out a survey on the utility and functionality of the AI software. Results: Both faculty and residents rated the NerveBlox® system as helpful in regards to identifying key anatomical structures during the procurement of a regional ultrasound image. Both groups also highly rated the NerveBlox® software as helpful for trainees to improve education in regional ultrasound. Conclusion: In this small study, both faculty anesthesiologists and anesthesiology residents found the NerveBlox® software to be helpful in both performing regional anesthesia procedures as well as for improving education of regional anesthesia procedures in trainees. Further study with more learners would be helpful to determine the extent of the usefulness of AI software in regional anesthesia education.