Neurological Emergencies Bootcamp for Incoming PGY-II Residents: A Pilot Study
Nimmi Wickramasuriya1, Tse Chiang Chen2, Alireza Shirazian1, Hyder Tamton1, Eleftheria Vyras1, Roberto Herrera Noriega1, Miguel Andrade Egues1, Renee Nelson1, Jessica Heap1, Alexis Vega1, Shail Vyas1, Maxwell Schwartz1, Jaishree Narayanan1, Oriana Sanchez1, Maxwell Levy1, Aimee Aysenne1, Jessica Kraker1
1Tulane University, 2Northwestern University
Objective:

To determine if a structured neurological emergency bootcamp enhances early competency in rising PGY-IIs.

 


Background:
Transitioning from intern year to neurology residency presents unique challenges, such as greater responsibility in diagnosing and managing acute neurological emergencies. Early exposure to high-acuity scenarios could be essential for developing a good foundation of knowledge and clinical confidence.
Design/Methods:

The educational needs of rising PGY-II residents were assessed by screening all training levels (PGY II-IV) to identify learning gaps. Based on this, a structured bootcamp was conducted consisting of four weekly sessions, focused on the management of the following emergencies: acute ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, status epilepticus, myasthenia gravis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Pre-bootcamp surveys, and post-bootcamp surveys given 10-14 days later, were administered to determine knowledge retention and comfort levels.



Results:

The mean knowledge scores, from pre-and-post sessions, demonstrated overall improvement across all modules. When analyzed by topic, the greatest improvement was observed in the intracranial hemorrhage session (from 46% to 64%, +18%), followed by status epilepticus (75% to 85%, +10%), and myasthenia gravis and Guillain-Barré Syndrome (from 87% to 96%, +9%). The mean average improvement was the smallest for the stroke module (from 66% to 67%, +1%). 

The mean comfort score, across all modules, demonstrated notable increases in perceived comfort managing neurological emergencies. The change in mean comfort score pre-and-post session was highest in intracranial hemorrhage (2.22 to 3.66, +1.44), followed by status epilepticus (2.42 to 3.83, +1.41), and myasthenia gravis and Guillain-Barré Syndrome (2.58 to 3.83, +1.25). The smallest gain in confidence level was in managing ischemic stroke (3.1 to 3.75, +0.65).

 


Conclusions:

This pilot supports the educational value of a structured neurological emergencies bootcamp for early neurology trainees. Continuing to introduce this program to rising PGY-II residents may enhance preparedness, clinical confidence, and ultimately improve patient outcomes in high-acuity neurological settings.


10.1212/WNL.0000000000216476
Disclaimer: Abstracts were not reviewed by Neurology® and do not reflect the views of Neurology® editors or staff.