Abstract Details

Title Neurology Rounding and Resident Education During COVID-19

Topic Research Methodology, Education, and History

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

Poster/Presentation
Number 036

Background

In preparation for the surge of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, our neurology residency program adapted to the increasing demands on our teaching hospitals by decreasing the number of residents on inpatient services and transforming rounds to a more virtual platform, with the junior residents rounding remotely. The effect of these changes on various aspects of neurology rounding is unknown.

Objective To determine the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on neurology rounding, including resident education and nursing participation.

Design/Methods

During one month in the first peak of the pandemic, we used time-motion analysis (TMA) to investigate the composition and timing of rounds on newly admitted neurology patients to determine rounding efficiency. We also conducted surveys of residents and nurses to assess the educational value of rounds and nursing perception, including involvement and teamwork. The data obtained was compared to pre-COVID-19 rounding data collected from January to March during neurology morning rounds.

Results The mean rounding time per newly admitted patient in the pre-COVID group (n=99 patients) and COVID group (n=39 patients) was 23.0 minutes and 27.2 minutes, respectively (p = 0.055). The pre-COVID group spent on average 49.2% of patient rounding time in the patient’s room, while the COVID group spent 38.7% of rounding time at the patient’s bedside (p = 0.098). Residents perceived rounding during COVID to be less efficient and associated it with a less worthwhile educational experience, with inferior education in history taking and physical exam techniques and decreased amount of teaching (p <0.01). These perceptions were even more pronounced among the junior residents. Nurses had similar perceptions of their participation in rounds before and during COVID.

Conclusions Neurology residents' perception of education and efficiency of rounds was less favorable during the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specific focus on trainee education is needed during the pandemic.

Authors/Disclosures
Jacqueline Solomon, MD (St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto) PRESENTER	Dr. Schulman has nothing to disclose.
Shamik Bhattacharyya, MD, FAAN (Brigham and Women's Hospital)	Dr. Bhattacharyya has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Alexion Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Bhattacharyya 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 Continuum. Dr. Bhattacharyya has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as an Expert Witness for Merck. The institution of Dr. Bhattacharyya has received research support from Alexion Pharmaceuticals. The institution of Dr. Bhattacharyya has received research support from National Institute of Health. The institution of Dr. Bhattacharyya has received research support from UCB. The institution of Dr. Bhattacharyya has received research support from Genentech. Dr. Bhattacharyya has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Dr. Bhattacharyya has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Dr. Bhattacharyya has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care.
Ahya S. Ali, MD (Westchester Medical Center)	Dr. Ali has nothing to disclose.
Liam M. Cleary	Mr. Cleary has nothing to disclose.
	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
Tracey A. Milligan, MD, FAAN	Dr. Milligan has nothing to disclose.