Objective: To determine the acceptability, feasibility, and effect on knowledge of an online curriculum in movement disorders for neurology housestaff.

Background: Neurology residents often get less exposure to outpatient subspecialties. New educational tools may be used to supplement clinical exposure.

Method: A basic curriculum in movement disorders including an introductory video and 10 modules was created. The introductory video provided a structured approach to phenomenology that was reinforced in the modules. Original patient videos, artwork, and animations were edited using Camtasia and embedded into a Qualtrics survey platform. Display logic within Qualtrics allowed for conditional answers and interactivity. Short modules covered movement disorders topics with a particular attention to visual diagnosis. 9 neurology housestaff piloted the modules. Users completed surveys and 10 question pre- and post-tests, and semi-structured interviews were conducted until saturation was reached, then double-coded and analyzed.

Results: 9 housestaff completed all modules, 8 were interviewed, and 6/8 completed the survey and pre- and post-tests. On the survey, all users strongly agreed that the modules were a worthwhile use of time and that they would recommend them to other residents. All users agreed or strongly agreed that the modules helped them understand both basic and difficult concepts in movement disorders. The mean pre- and post-test scores were 0.7 (SD 0.19) and 0.95 (SD 0.05) respectively. The score change was statistically significant (p=0.022). Interview themes included that users liked the: 1) interactivity, 2) “bite-sized” duration and focused learning points, 3) multimedia approach, especially video usage, 4) navigability of Qualtrics, and 5) convenience. All users commented that the structured approach to phenomenology was particularly useful, increasing comfort and confidence in diagnosing movement disorders.

Conclusion: Neurology housestaff are enthusiastic about online curricula supplemental to a regular curriculum, and are engaged by short, interactive modules with a multimedia format. The curriculum increased knowledge in movement disorders both subjectively and objectively. Camtasia and Qualtrics are tools that are intuitive even for new users and may be easily applied to the design of educational materials.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/acceptability-and-effectiveness-of-an-online-curriculum-in-movement-disorders-for-neurology-housestaff-a-pilot-study/