On-Call Shifts during Neurology Residency in a Spanish Tertiary Academic Hospital: A Quantitative Analysis (P07.243)

Abstract

Objective: We will communicate the personal experience about the on-call shifts during a neurology residency in a Spanish tertiary hospital. Background Specialized neurology 24-hour on-call shifts are considered a fundamental tool in residency training. In Spain, these shifts are mandatory and aimed to teach neurology residents how to manage urgent or unexpected neurological disease. In our center, residents start neurology shifts on the second semester of their first year, always under the supervision of an attending physician. Design/Methods: Prospective quantitative analysis of the number of patients attended and pathology encountered during the on-call shifts made by a neurology resident on his residency training, between the years 2007 and 2011. Results: Neurology 24 hrs on-call shifts: 147; Number of patients attended: 1767, shifts per month: 3.65 (3-6); average number of patients per shift: 12.02 (5-25). Reasons for consultation: cerebrovascular disease: 590 patients (33.38%); Seizures: 288 (16.29%); headache: 132 (7.47%); neuromuscular disorders: 120 (6.79%); neuro-ophthalmology: 112 (6.33%); cognitive disorders: 91 (5.14%); altered level of consciousness: 82 (4.60%); Demyelinating disease: 66 (3, 77%); gait disturbance: 53 (2.99%); movement disorders: 39 (2.20%); dizziness / vertigo: 39 (2.20%); other causes: 155 (8.7%). Conclusions: Through communicating the experience of a neurology resident in a hospital in Spain, we expect to be able to show an example of the high prevalence of neurological disorders in the emergency room. The increase in the number of neurological diseases which require immediate attention, and the difficulty in diagnosis these may sometimes entail, can make the presence of an on-call neurologist essential in determining the course and prognosis of these diseases in many of our patients. Disclosure: Dr. Cuello has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rodriguez Cruz has nothing to disclose. Dr. Perez Gonzalez de Apodaca has nothing to disclose. Dr. De Andres has nothing to disclose. Dr. Martinez Gines has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mateo Gonzalez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ezpeleta has nothing to disclose.