Curriculum innovation: Interactive educational workshop improves neurology resident knowledge of multiple sclerosis

Establishing a solid resident knowledge of multiple sclerosis (MS) during neurology residency is crucial for independent clinical practice. We created a case-based and interactive educational workshop on MS with the aim of improving neurology resident clinical and theoretical knowledge of various aspects of MS diagnosis and care.

MS neurologists from the University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Medicine designed a 4-hour in-person case-based interactive educational workshop for all neurology residents. Covered topics included: MS definition, epidemiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, MS clinical course/disease phenotypes, MS diagnostic criteria and differential diagnosis, acute MS attack treatment, symptomatic therapy, disease modifying therapy. Case-based and knowledge-based questions with multiple-choice questions were utilized using interactive online polls that residents participated in during the workshop. Additionally, a 10-question pre- and post-workshop test was administered and the change in exam results was analyzed using paired t-tests. Descriptive statistics were used in the analysis of percentile rank changes in Residency In-Service Training Examination (RITE) exam scores by UNC Neurology residents 2022 - 2023 (pre-MS Workshop) and 2023-2024 (post- MS Workshop).

A total of 21 residents completed the workshop and pre- and post-workshop exam. Pre-workshop scores (mean, 6.14/10; standard deviation [SD], 1.20; range, 4-9) and post-workshop test scores (mean, 8.67/10; SD, 0.97; range, 7-10) were compared. There was a mean improvement of 2.52 points between pre- and post-workshop test results (t-ratio 8.97 [95% confidence interval 1.94-3.11]; p<.0001). Percentile rank on RITE exam scores by UNC Neurology residents (postgraduate years 2-4) after attending MS Workshop improved by 136.8% compared with the prior academic year when the traditional virtual didactic program on MS was conducted.

Interactive workshops for residents can improve resident education on MS, creating a solid basis for future continuing education activities in the rapidly developing field of MS with a goal of improving patient outcomes. Residency programs may consider incorporating interactive, case-based MS workshops into their educational curricula.