Objective:

To determine the feasibility of implementing Health Equity Rounds (HER) into a Neurology residency curriculum

Background:

Residents in our neurology residency advocated for increased inclusion of health disparities education into the curriculum leading to the introduction of a case-based discussion series, Health Equity Rounds (HER). For the 2022-2023 academic year, quarterly HER was held with integration of content from the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Anti-Racism Education program.

Design/Methods:

Potential HER cases were identified by residents during their inpatient and clinic rotations and submitted to the Health Equity team consisting of two residents and a faculty member. The team selected the case, integrated relevant content from the AAN Anti-Racism Education Program, and created the presentation. During HER, the case was presented by the Health Equity team, followed by facilitated small group discussion of 4-6 trainees (medical students and residents), and a large group debrief. An anonymous evaluation survey graded on a 5-point Likert Scale from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree” was administered to residents in June 2023. 

Results:

From July 2022 - June 2023, four 1-hour HER were delivered as part of the residency curriculum. Preliminary data from eight residents (22%) was analyzed. Among respondents, 75% reported attending at least two or more HER. Overall, residents felt that HER was a safe space for dialogue (100%), increased their confidence discussing anti-racism and social determinants of health (87.5%), and would lead residents to incorporate what they learned into their future practice (100%). HER are ongoing and further survey data will be presented.

Conclusions:

The implementation of HER provides a unique way to enrich a Neurology residency curriculum through an innovative, safe forum that engages trainees from medical students to residents in discussions on anti-racism and health disparities.