P.133 ‘Building Your Neurology Acumen’: a flipped classroom approach to strengthen Internal Medicine residents’ neurological skills

Abstract

Background: Rotating internal medicine (IM) residents do not feel adequately prepared to approach patients with neurologic issues. The purpose of this project was to conduct a needs assessment to determine the optimal components and delivery of a neurology curriculum for internal medicine residents. Methods: We utilized a mixed-methods design and recruited participants through a combination of purposive and convenience sampling. We conducted interviews with IM residents (n=12) and focus groups with neurology residents (n=7) and neurology staff (n=8). IM residents completed entry- and post-call surveys while on a neurology rotation. Results: Themes according to Kern’s framework for curriculum development: 1. Problem: Discomfort and perception of under-preparedness amongst IM trainees 2. Needs Assessment: What the learners (stakeholders) think they need to know vs. what their teachers want them to know vs external requirements (Royal College) 3. Goals/objectives: What content is relevant for clinical requirements vs assessments? 4. Methods and setting: Didactic vs bedside vs virtual 5. Implementation of the curriculum 6. Evaluation and feedback Conclusions: Our findings illustrate a possible mismatch between internal medicine residents’ needs and neurologist teachers’ expectations in teaching neurology. Addressing learners’ needs could enhance neurology knowledge and sense of preparedness when encountering patients with neurologic issues.