Curriculum innovation: Interactive educational workshop improves neurology resident knowledge of multiple sclerosis

Monica M Diaz; Winnie Lau; Dena Williams; Irena Dujmovic Basuroski

doi:10.1016/j.msard.2024.106188

Curriculum innovation: Interactive educational workshop improves neurology resident knowledge of multiple sclerosis

Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2024 Nov 24:93:106188. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.106188. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Monica M Diaz¹, Winnie Lau¹, Dena Williams¹, Irena Dujmovic Basuroski²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine at Chapel Hill, 170 Manning Drive, CB 7025, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
² Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine at Chapel Hill, 170 Manning Drive, CB 7025, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. Electronic address: irdujm@neurology.unc.edu.

PMID: 39615330
DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.106188

Abstract

Introduction: Establishing a solid resident knowledge of multiple sclerosis (MS) during neurology residency is crucial for independent clinical practice. We created a case-based and interactive educational workshop on MS with the aim of improving neurology resident clinical and theoretical knowledge of various aspects of MS diagnosis and care.

Methods: MS neurologists from the University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Medicine designed a 4-hour in-person case-based interactive educational workshop for all neurology residents. Covered topics included: MS definition, epidemiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, MS clinical course/disease phenotypes, MS diagnostic criteria and differential diagnosis, acute MS attack treatment, symptomatic therapy, disease modifying therapy. Case-based and knowledge-based questions with multiple-choice questions were utilized using interactive online polls that residents participated in during the workshop. Additionally, a 10-question pre- and post-workshop test was administered and the change in exam results was analyzed using paired t-tests. Descriptive statistics were used in the analysis of percentile rank changes in Residency In-Service Training Examination (RITE) exam scores by UNC Neurology residents 2022 - 2023 (pre-MS Workshop) and 2023-2024 (post- MS Workshop).

Results: A total of 21 residents completed the workshop and pre- and post-workshop exam. Pre-workshop scores (mean, 6.14/10; standard deviation [SD], 1.20; range, 4-9) and post-workshop test scores (mean, 8.67/10; SD, 0.97; range, 7-10) were compared. There was a mean improvement of 2.52 points between pre- and post-workshop test results (t-ratio 8.97 [95% confidence interval 1.94-3.11]; p<.0001). Percentile rank on RITE exam scores by UNC Neurology residents (postgraduate years 2-4) after attending MS Workshop improved by 136.8% compared with the prior academic year when the traditional virtual didactic program on MS was conducted.

Conclusion: Interactive workshops for residents can improve resident education on MS, creating a solid basis for future continuing education activities in the rapidly developing field of MS with a goal of improving patient outcomes. Residency programs may consider incorporating interactive, case-based MS workshops into their educational curricula.

Keywords: Curriculum development; Multiple sclerosis; Multiple sclerosis learning; Trainees.