Abstract Details

Title The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Graduating Neurology Residents

Topic Research Methodology, Education, and History

Presentation(s) Research Methodology and Education Posters (7:00 AM-5:00 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 035

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic is a worldwide medical crisis of proportions not previously seen in the modern era of standardized residency training. The timing of this pandemic raises questions about the effects of this crisis on the immediate future of graduating neurology residents, who have a few months of training remaining.

Objective To determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on graduating neurology and child neurology residents with regard to board eligibility, residency training and education, and well-being.

Design/Methods Direct e-mails were sent to 883 applicants for the September 2020 Certification Examinations in Neurology and in Neurology with Special Qualification in Child Neurology. Graduating neurology and child neurology residents were asked to complete an online survey about the impact of the pandemic on their board eligibility, residency training and education, and well-being.

Results

The response rate was 42.7% (377/883). Nearly 50% of respondents indicated board eligibility concerns with 35% having seen the ABPN statement about flexibility concerning board eligibility requirements due to COVID-19. Over 90% of respondents reported clinics were changed to telemedicine visits and didactics were changed to web conferences. Nearly all respondents (96%) reported adherence to ACGME duty hour rules, and 82% reported no change in supervision. The majority of respondents (70%) had at least one unfulfilled residency requirement, either NEX(s) and/or clinical requirement(s). Most (94%) reported no changes to post-residency plans.

Conclusions The ABPN COVID-19 statement was not well communicated by program directors to residents, despite board eligibility concerns. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused residency programs to change most activities to a virtual format, indicating a need for technology infrastructure improvements and best-practice guidelines for virtual clinical work. The large number of respondents with outstanding residency requirements suggest their completion should be prioritized for earlier in residency training.

Authors/Disclosures
Katherine Mun, MD (UCLA Neurology - Stroke Program) PRESENTER	Dr. Mun has nothing to disclose.
Dorthea Juul, PhD (American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology)	Dr. Juul has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Larry R. Faulkner, MD (American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology)	Dr. Faulkner has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of ABPN.