How to Increase the Neurology Pipeline? A Critical Systematic Review of K-12 Neurology Pipeline Programs
Naomi Lebowitz1, Jane Ekhtman1, Ramisha Aymon1, Aarti Katara1, Khushalee Oza1, Ishah Yusaf1, Caitlin Plovnick2, Mia Minen1
1NYULMC Neurology, 2NYULMC Medical Library
Objective:
To conduct a systematic review of existing K-12 neurology pipeline programs to (1) understand what pipeline programs have been developed and implemented to interest elementary, middle, and high school students in neurology and (2) understand how such programs were delivered, to whom they were delivered, and if/how they were studied for efficacy.
Background:
Early exposure to neuroscience is imperative to strengthening the neurology pipeline and may present an avenue for increasing the number of practicing neurologists and diversifying the neurology workforce. A number of programs exist that are designed to engage K-12 students in neuroscience learning and foster interest in neurology careers (i.e., pipeline programs).
Design/Methods:
We conducted an electronic database search of PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Education Source, and ERIC. All eligible articles were systematically reviewed to examine the type of program developed, target age group, who developed it, how it was implemented and studied, and what conclusions were drawn about its efficacy.
Results:
Our search produced 2574 results from which 23 articles were deemed eligible. The breakdown by age group was as follows: five programs for elementary school, eight for middle school, eight for high school, and two for the entire K-12 range of students. Six articles described programs intended for URM students. All programs were found to be successful in exposing students to neurology and inspiring interest in pursuing a career in the field. Programs were limited geographically.
Conclusions:
Further efforts should be made to analyze the long-term effectiveness of K-12 pipeline programs in overcoming the shortage of neurologists and explore the impact of mentorship for various age groups among K-12. Future efforts should also target the K-12 population across the country and URM students specifically.