A Night at the Neurocinema: Evaluating the Educational Impact of a Neurology-Centric Film Series on a Medical Student Cohort (P3-2.002)

Abstract

<h3>Objective:</h3> This study evaluated impact of a monthly “Neurology Movie Night” film program on student knowledge and interest in neurological disorders. <h3>Background:</h3> Neurophobia is the fear of neurology reported among medical students who find it complex and intimidating. The high incidence of neurophobia warrants research into novel methods of neurological education especially in stress-free and informal settings. The term “Neurocinema” has been used to described the portrayal of neurological disorders in movies; its educational value for medical students has not yet been significantly investigated. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> This was an IRB approved, single-center prospective cohort study inviting voluntary participation of medical students across all years of training. Once per month, participants were asked to virtually view a select movie portraying neurological disease(s). Viewers completed an anonymous survey assessing their perceived knowledge and interest in the subject. Quantitative variables were reported in percentage with change in student perception being assessed on Likert scale. <h3>Results:</h3> Total 17 unique responses were collected. 12/17 (70%) students were in pre-clinical years. 8/17 (47%) students reported an increase in interest and 9/17 (53%) reported increase in perceived knowledge pertaining to the specific disorder after watching the movie. There was no decline in interest or knowledge reported. Majority of students (15/17) had at least some baseline interest in neurology, but about 23% reported an increase in level of interest after completion of activity. 29% of respondents reported additional self-directed reading on topics portrayed in the movies. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Neurocinema can be a strategy to combat neurophobia and increase medical student engagement in neurology. Based on our results, groups most responsive include students who have a baseline interest in neurology, and those who are in their pre-clinical years. Therefore, an activity such as “Neurology Movie Night” can be a tool to further increase student interest in neurology via local Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN) chapters. <b>Disclosure:</b> Mr. Schmitt has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bryden has nothing to disclose. Dr. Das has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lakhotia has nothing to disclose.