Education Research: The Neurohumanities in Training: Integrating a Humanities Curriculum Within Neurology Residency...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Neuroscience
• Humanities

Background:

• Neurologists often engage with humanities due to the subjective nature of patient care.
• Increasing technological focus in medicine risks devaluing subjective aspects of practice.
• Neurohumanities curricula offer a counterpoint by integrating arts and humanities into neurology training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and describe existing neurohumanities curricula in US neurology residency programs.
• To identify patterns in program objectives, structure, and participant feedback.
• To lay the groundwork for assessing the needs and benefits of neurohumanities in neurology education.

Main Methods:

• Exploratory descriptive analysis of 6 neurology residency programs.
• Convenience sampling of programs with neurohumanities curricula.
• Reporting of program objectives and participant feedback, followed by pattern identification.

Main Results:

• All surveyed neurohumanities curricula were established within the last decade.
• Variability observed in timing, audience, setting, scope, funding, region, and objectives.
• Curricula ranged from mandatory to optional, integrated to extracurricular, with objectives including skill enhancement, wellness, and scholarly exploration.

Conclusions:

• Neurohumanities curricula are being integrated into neurology residency training in diverse ways.
• Programs vary in their pedagogical approaches and specific aims, from enhancing clinical observation to promoting resident well-being.
• This study serves as a preliminary step toward a broader assessment of the value and impact of neurohumanities in neurology education.