Micro-learning and Micro-assessment Fulfill Teaching, Learning, and Patient Care Needs for Neurologists: Results of a qualitative study (S10.005)

Abstract

<h3>Objective:</h3> To understand how neurologists use NeuroBytes (NB) and Question of the Day (QOD) and explore their impact on clinical practice, education, and lifelong learning. <h3>Background:</h3> Micro-learning is the acquisition of knowledge or skills in small units, commonly delivered via digital technology. NB and QOD are two micro-teaching programs in neurology. NBs are brief, video-based mini-courses on clinical topics; QODs are daily multiple-choice questions (micro-assessment). <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 participants. Purposive sampling was used to recruit neurologists or trainees who completed at least 1 NB or 25 QODs within the last 3 months. Participants were asked about their use of NB/QOD, what they perceived to gain from the product, how learning influenced their practice, and how this influenced lifelong learning. Thematic analysis was used to generate codes and describe themes emerging from the data. <h3>Results:</h3> Neurologists were enthusiastic to utilize NB and QOD. Three themes emerged. NB and QOD were used to (1) enhance teaching, (2) influence clinical care, and (3) facilitate lifelong learning. <h3>Enhancing Teaching:</h3> Interviewees used knowledge gained from NB/QOD in their own instruction and used NB/QOD with students. QOD was a model for writing their own assessments. <h3>Patient Care:</h3> Respondents kept their knowledge current and reinforced concepts already known. QOD had lesser impact on patient care because it was utilized for identifying knowledge gaps, often outside the subspecialty niche. <h3>Lifelong Learning:</h3> QOD was used to identify gaps in knowledge, whereas NB was utilized to fill educational gaps participants already recognized. NB and QOD were viewed as time-saving and could be completed on-the-fly. However, they were considered supplemental resources that lack depth. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> NB and QOD are convenient supplemental resources for teaching, learning, and augmenting clinical practice. Micro-learning and micro-assessment delivered through these programs fulfilled different learning needs and have complementary educational roles. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Stavros has nothing to disclose. Dr. Miller has nothing to disclose. Dr. Moeller has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Mrs. Wiseman has nothing to disclose. Miss Gibbs has nothing to disclose. Xiaoyu Sun has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of American Academy of Neurology. An immediate family member of Xiaoyu Sun has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Syneos Health. An immediate family member of Xiaoyu Sun has stock in Syneos Health. An immediate family member of Xiaoyu Sun has stock in BioNTech. Ms. Shindoll has nothing to disclose. Mr. Rook has nothing to disclose. Ms. Morris has nothing to disclose. Ms. Dahlgren has nothing to disclose. Dr. London has nothing to disclose. Dr. Strowd has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Kaplan. Dr. Strowd has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Monteris Medical, Inc. Dr. Strowd has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Novocure. Dr. Strowd has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for American Academy of Neurology. The institution of Dr. Strowd has received research support from Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation. The institution of Dr. Strowd has received research support from Jazz Pharmaceuticals. The institution of Dr. Strowd has received research support from National Institutes of Health. The institution of Dr. Strowd has received research support from Alpha Omega Alpha. The institution of Dr. Strowd has received research support from American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Strowd has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Dr. Strowd has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care.