Abstract Details

Title A Novel Approach to Orientation for Incoming Neurology Residency through Simulation-Based Education

Topic Education, Research, and Methodology

Presentation(s) P9 - Poster Session 9 (5:30 PM-6:30 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 7-004

Background Most residency programs offer dedicated orientation time for incoming residents, which appears to be an effective education strategy. However, simulation based education may be a powerful but underutilized tool for incoming neurology residents.

Objective We aim to develop and evaluate a novel approach to neurology residency orientation for incoming residents through the use of simulation-based education.

Design/Methods In this quality improvement project, the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model was used to design and refine a new orientation program. In the first PDSA cycle, residents were surveyed regarding the existing orientation program in order to identify areas of improvement. Subsequently, a new orientation program was created with a high-yield curriculum incorporating interactive didactic lectures and simulations guided by senior residents and faculty. Junior residents participating in the program completed pre and post assessments of their knowledge and sense of preparedness for the upcoming year. During the second PDSA cycle, pre and post evaluation surveys led to further enhancements to the new orientation process. New lectures about acute care and on call procedures were implemented.

Results Initial polling demonstrated an overwhelming lack of knowledge and preparedness for treating neurological emergencies. The first orientation improved the average knowledge assessment score by 13%. The overall level of preparedness improved by 1.3 points on a scale of 5. Formal feedback was obtained from mid-year reflections, which were implemented in the second iteration of the program, and the average score on knowledge and preparedness assessment improved by 14% and 1.1 points, respectively.

Conclusions Our quality improvement study demonstrates that the PDSA model can be used to implement and refine orientation for neurology residency programs. Additionally, this study showed that didactic and simulation based orientation programs are beneficial in improving residents’ knowledge and level of comfort.

Authors/Disclosures
Madeline L. Singer, MD PRESENTER	Dr. Singer has nothing to disclose.
Huiam Mubarak, MD (Barrow Neurological Institute)	Dr. Mubarak has nothing to disclose.
Tejas Ranade, MD (10th Medical Group)	Dr. Ranade has nothing to disclose.
Sami Kaldawi, DO	Dr. Kaldawi has nothing to disclose.
Tejas Ranade, MD (10th Medical Group)	Dr. Ranade has nothing to disclose.
Kelly Breaux, MD (Barrow Neurological Institute)	Dr. Breaux has nothing to disclose.
Valerie Sharf, MD	Dr. Sharf has nothing to disclose.
Justin Hoskin, MD (Barrow Neurological Institute)	Dr. Hoskin has nothing to disclose.