Curriculum Innovations: “Eye”-ing Enhanced Educational Methods for Neurology Trainees

Abstract

Introduction and Problem Statement Common and potentially life-threatening neurologic conditions often present with neuro-ophthalmologic manifestations. Given the growing shortage of neurologists, and specifically neuro-ophthalmologists, it is important that students who will be at the front lines of these complaints are comfortable assessing such patients. We developed a neuro-ophthalmology learning intervention composed of an interactive workshop that discussed novel, online case-based modules. We assessed (1) the subjective and objective improvement in the understanding of neuro-ophthalmologic manifestations of common neurologic conditions and (2) satisfaction with the educational tool. Objectives The objectives of this study were to identify and describe common neuro-ophthalmologic manifestations of neurologic conditions, to explain the differential diagnosis, diagnostic workup, and evidence-based treatment of common neuro-ophthalmologic conditions, and to use interactive, case-based discussion to foster an enjoyable, student-focused e-learning environment via the 20/20 SIM platform. Methods and Curriculum Description Our study team, composed of ophthalmology and neurology faculty, developed cases for 5 common and high-stake neurologic conditions with neuro-ophthalmologic manifestations and published them on 2020SIM.com. The cases served as the basis of our educational intervention, a 1-hour virtual interactive workshop for neurology clerkship students. Students completed optional, anonymous pretests and posttests and an exit survey to assess subjective and objective neuro-ophthalmology knowledge improvement and satisfaction with the educational tool. Results and Assessment Data A total of 145 students participated; 86% (n = 125), 70% (n = 102), and 61% (n = 88) completed at least part of the pretest, posttest, and exit survey, respectively. The mean knowledge score increased from 7.5 to 8.5/10, p = 0.00014. Students reported a subjective increase in knowledge of neuro-ophthalmology (70%, n = 62) and wished to see a similar learning tool for other specialties (92%, n = 81). More than half (64%, n = 56) enjoyed the workshop, approximately three-quarters (73%, n = 64) preferred the interactive session to traditional didactics, and almost all (92%, n = 81) students recommended the learning sessions in the future. Discussion and Lessons Learned Medical students experienced subjective and objective improvement in their understanding of neuro-ophthalmologic manifestations of common neurologic conditions. In addition, they rated the intervention favorably in relation to traditional didactics and recommended a similar platform in other specialties. The integration of interactive online learning tools, such as the SIM platform, into curricular workshops may offer a favorable and effective strategy to increase exposure to topics with less curricular time.