The Application of Electroencephalography in Health Professions Education: A Scoping Review with Suggestions for Surgical Training.

Authors

Calum Heslop, Talia Patel, Robert Jay, Rakesh Patel, John Sandars

Published in

Journal of surgical education. Volume 83. Issue 9. Pages 104041. Jun 23, 2026. Epub Jun 23, 2026.

Abstract

Electroencephalography (EEG) provides a non-invasive method of measuring the electrical activity of the brain and is becoming increasingly applied in education and training, especially for understanding and developing skilled performance. This scoping review aims to map the breadth of literature examining how EEG has been applied in Health Professions Education (HPE) and suggest future applications of this in surgical education.
The review was conducted using PRISMA-ScR guidelines, with a search of four electronic databases. The initial literature search yielded 3401 articles, which, after removal of duplicates, abstract and full-text screening, were reduced to a final 38 included studies. Key information was extracted from each study, and a thematic analysis related to the aim of the review was completed.
Most studies were conducted within surgical education, particularly for laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery skills. Eight themes were identified for the application of EEG alone in HPE: predicting performance; assessing cognitive load; monitoring engagement/distraction; differentiating between skill levels; impact of fatigue on performance; longitudinal use over a training program; monitoring well-being; monitoring external interventions. Three themes were identified for the application of EEG neurofeedback training (EEG-NFT): improving academic performance, improving surgical skills performance, and improving well-being. Two themes were identified for future implementation of EEG: supporting assessment and feedback; challenges of use.
A variety of applications for understanding and monitoring academic and clinical performance and well-being were identified. This first scoping review identified high potential for the future practical application of EEG in HPE and surgical education, especially for combining the use of EEG and EEG-NFT in improving academic and clinical performance and well-being.

PMID:
42335663
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 24 Jun 2026.

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