Abstract Details

Title No Brains, No Problem: Teaching Neuroanatomy Virtually During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Topic Research Methodology, Education, and History

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

Poster/Presentation
Number 033

Background Evidence supports teaching neuroanatomy in small groups using cadaveric brain specimens and 3D plastic models. As traditional brain-cutting was not possible due to COVID-19, we created a new, virtual course.

Objective

To create a virtual neuroanatomy course for medical students learning remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/Methods Using a flipped classroom model, students were assigned textbook readings and 10-15 minute faculty-created concept videos as preparatory material. The shortened live sessions did not involve lectures. Students rotated between two sessions aimed to promote critical thinking and expose them to neuroanatomy as it is applied in a clinical environment: (1) faculty-led case-based localization discussions with brief clinical vignettes and neuroimaging, where they learned anatomy through the context of neurological disorders, and (2) resident-led small-group anatomy sessions, where they identified structures and traced pathways on online interactive models, cadaveric and radiologic cross-sections and narrated videos of neurosurgical operations. Students participated actively through a polling application and by drawing structures and pathways on imaging and virtual specimens using an annotation tool within our virtual platform.

Results The course received its highest student rating compared to the last three years and the highest evaluation among all preclinical courses of this academic year. Neuroanatomy sessions were rated as excellent or good by 88.75% of the students. Open-ended comments identified the use of small groups, interactive drawing, imaging interpretation and encouragement of active participation as most effective. In this virtual format, localization sessions using case vignettes and neuroimaging were considered more useful than virtual lab sessions.

Conclusions Despite the challenges of learning without 3D specimens, we demonstrated that medical students can effectively learn neuroanatomy virtually. Incorporation of neuroradiology and student-led collaborative annotation of pathways were advantages that will continue in future non-virtual iterations of the course, as they emphasize the relevance of neuroanatomy in clinical practice.

Authors/Disclosures
Marinos G. Sotiropoulos, MD (Massachusetts General Hospital) PRESENTER	The institution of Dr. Sotiropoulos has received research support from Mallinckrodt. The institution of Dr. Sotiropoulos has received research support from United States Department of Defense. Dr. Sotiropoulos has received research support from World Health Organization.
Tamara B. Kaplan, MD (Brigham and Women'S Hospital)	Dr. Kaplan has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for EMD Serono . Dr. Kaplan has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Genentech.
Christopher T. Doughty, MD (Brigham and Women'S Hospital)	Dr. Doughty has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Neurometrix. Dr. Doughty has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Argenx. Dr. Doughty has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for UCB. Dr. Doughty has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Johnson and Johnson. Dr. Doughty has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for TD Securities. Dr. Doughty has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Expert Witness for Adler¦Cohen¦Harvey¦Wakeman¦Guekguezian, LLP. Dr. Doughty has received research support from NINDS/NeuroNEXT. Dr. Doughty has received research support from AstraZeneca. Dr. Doughty has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Grant Advisory Board Member with Dysimmune Diseases Foundation. Dr. Doughty has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a CME Lecturer with Oakstone Publishing.