Abstract Details

Title Podcasting for Exam Preparation: Tuning into Alternative Study Strategies for Residents

Topic Education, Research, and Methodology

Presentation(s) P11 - Poster Session 11 (11:45 AM-12:45 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 7-002

Background Podcast and video streaming platforms are being used by students and residents as frequently as textbooks and are often perceived as more helpful. Residents can listen to a podcast while otherwise visually engaged (e.g. driving), which provides an additional study opportunity during demanding training periods. We created a low-cost, home-grown podcast for exam preparation and review, using readily available technology and an inexpensive hosting platform, and have evaluated its usage and effectiveness.

Objective To evaluate usage patterns and resident perceptions of a podcast developed as a study tool for neurology residents.

Design/Methods Episodes were based on common and challenging topics. An anonymized survey was distributed to residents and recent graduates in our residency program. Broader usage and engagement data were gathered through statistics generated by the podcast hosting platform Buzzsprout.

Results 59 episodes were published between January 2020 and September 2021. The median number of downloads per episode was 2739 (range 2446-3272). 20/50 (40%) of current and former residents responded to the survey. 18/20 (90%) of respondents listened to the podcast, with 9/20 (45%) listening at least a few times per month. Residents listened at all times of the day, but most commonly in the evening. It was used primarily as a supplemental resource 11/19 (58%) that prompted further study or as a medium to focus on specific knowledge gaps 10/19 (53%). All listeners felt the podcast enhanced their neurologic knowledge and the majority 14/17 (82%) agreed that it helped in preparation for examinations. Approximately half of listeners 9/17 (53%) agreed that their exam performance was improved through podcast use with regular listeners (i.e., at least a few times per month) making up the majority 7/9 (78%) of those who noted improvement.

Conclusions Podcasts are inexpensive to produce on a local level and can offer a convenient and flexible option for enhancing resident education.

Authors/Disclosures
Safa H. Elnazer, MD PRESENTER	Dr. Abdelhakim has nothing to disclose.
Aaron S. Bower, MD	Dr. Bower has nothing to disclose.
Jeremy Moeller, MD, FAAN (Yale University)	Dr. Moeller has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care.