Abstract Details

Title A Study of the Impact of Global Health Electives on Neurology Trainees

Topic Research Methodology, Education, and History

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

Poster/Presentation
Number 015

Background The high burden of neurologic disease worldwide has been increasingly recognized. While data exist regarding interest in and barriers to global health experiences amongst neurology post-graduate trainees, there are no data to our knowledge assessing the impact of global health experiences on neurology residents and fellows who undertake them.

Objective To characterize and determine the impact of global health electives on neurology trainees.

Design/Methods A survey assessing global health elective characteristics and outcomes was advertised on online AAN communities and the AAN Without Borders site. Neurologists who completed a global health experience within the last ten years and who were residents or fellows at the time of the experience were eligible to participate. Descriptive statistics were performed, and chi square analysis was used for categorical variables.

Results There were 72 responses. 100% (n=72) of respondents would recommend the experience to others. There was self-perceived improvement in clinical skills in 86% (n=62), and examination skills in 82% (n=59) of respondents. All participants (n=72, 100%) gained an understanding of different healthcare systems, and 83% (n=60) reported an impact on their commitment to underserved populations. 41 participants (57%) reported more judicious use of resources upon return to the United States. Exposure to diseases uncommon in the United States was most commonly cited as the best feature of the elective, while resource limitations and ethical dilemmas were most commonly cited as the worst feature. Time and funding were the most common barriers to participation.

Conclusions Global health electives had an overwhelmingly positive impact on neurology trainees. Electives resulted in self-perceived improvements in clinical acumen, and further impacted attitudes toward resource utilization and commitment to underserved populations. Future studies should further investigate the experience of host country physicians and the perceived or measured impact of these electives on the local community.

Authors/Disclosures
Vanessa Salasky, MD (University of Maryland) PRESENTER	Dr. Salasky has nothing to disclose.
Deanna Saylor, MD, MHS (Johns Hopkins Hospital)	The institution of Dr. Saylor has received research support from National Institutes of Health. The institution of Dr. Saylor has received research support from National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The institution of Dr. Saylor has received research support from American Academy of Neurology. The institution of Dr. Saylor has received research support from United States Department of State. Dr. Saylor has a non-compensated relationship as a Member of multiple committees and task forces focused on improving access to MS medications to people across the world with Multiple Sclerosis International Federation that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Saylor has a non-compensated relationship as a Member of the Neurology and COVID19 committee with World Health Organization that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Saylor has a non-compensated relationship as a Member of the International Outreach Committee, Junior and Early Career Membership Committee, and Educational Innovation Commitees with American Neurological Association that is relevant to AAN interests or activities.