The Completion of a PGY-1 Neurology Bootcamp Leads to Increased Trainee Knowledge and Confidence in Neurologic Emergencies Management and Procedural Skills (P2-2.001)

Abstract

<h3>Objective:</h3> To evaluate the impact of an end-of-the-year, post-graduate year 1 (PGY-1) simulation-based neurology bootcamp on trainee knowledge, self-confidence, and skill independence regarding acute neurologic emergencies management and bedside procedural skills. <h3>Background:</h3> The post-graduate year 2 (PGY-2) neurology resident is often the first line of triage for evaluation of acute neurologic deterioration on the inpatient neurology service, requiring autonomy and responsibility. We implemented and evaluated a bootcamp prior to this critical training period. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> In this prospective cohort study, 14 rising PGY-2 neurology residents attended a two-day bootcamp with a simulation-based curriculum led by neurology faculty practicing cerebrovascular, critical care, and inpatient neurology medicine. Pre- and postbootcamp, trainees completed multiple-choice knowledge assessments and via Likert scales, self-reported confidence in managing neurologic emergencies. Faculty observed and rated trainee ability to independently perform five neurologic procedures (lumbar puncture, external ventricular drain [EVD] management, botulinum toxin injection for migraine, digital fundoscopy, and pupillometry), with residents additionally reporting their own perceived degree of independence. <h3>Results:</h3> Proportion of trainees demonstrating independence per faculty rating significantly increased for all five procedural skills post-bootcamp (for all, p &lt; .05). Trainee self-reported independence of EVD management, pupillometry, and fundoscopy skills also increased postbootcamp (for all, p &lt; .05), with &lt; 25% of trainees reporting total independence pre-bootcamp to 50%, 86%, and 79% post-bootcamp, respectively. Knowledge assessment scores increased from a pre-bootcamp mean of 54% of questions correct to mean 70% correct (p = 0.002), driven by increases in vascular neurologic emergency and procedural knowledge. On a 5-point Likert scale, trainee self-reported confidence in emergency management increased from median 2.5 (a little confident) to median 4 (fairly confident) (p &lt; .001) <h3>Conclusions:</h3> A simulation-based, two-day bootcamp with focus on acute cerebrovascular neurologic emergencies and neurologic procedural skills showed significant improvements in trainee knowledge along with faculty-observed and self-reported confidence and independence. <b>Disclosure:</b> An immediate family member of Dr. Swetlik has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Pfizer. Dr. Buletko has nothing to disclose. Dr. Marquardt has nothing to disclose. Dr. Higgins has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Organon. Ms. Hassett has nothing to disclose.