Live Simulation for Emergency Neurology Life Support

Objective: To assess feasibility and value of incorporating life simulation into Emergency Neurology Life Support Background: Emergency Neurology Life Support (ENLS) is a course consisting of 14 didactic protocols to teach patient care for the first hours of neurologic emergencies. Different from well-established emergency courses such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support or Advanced Trauma Life Support, there is no “hands-on” experience or training with ENLS. We set out to develop simulation scenarios that address key components of neurological emergencies, and incorporate them into a live ENLS course. Design/Methods: We created two simulation scenarios, one focusing on a herniation syndrome with elevated intracranial pressure, one on refractory status epilepticus. We allotted 2 hours for simulation in addition to the 14 ENLS modules, with a total course duration of 10 hours. Flexible to the number of course participants, groups were divided into active learners and learning-by-observation. 74 learners were enrolled in three courses of 38, 21 and 15 participants, respectively. We obtained course evaluation via participant feedback questionnaires. Participation in the simulation was voluntary. Results: With two simulation scenarios, we addressed the key components of 6 of the 14 ENLS protocols. We effectively rotated groups of 4–6 participants through simulation and observation, with our largest sample group comprising 32 participants. Overall participation in simulation was 93%. Among the 26 feedback responses received from participants in the ENLS plus simulation group, 23 (88%) rated the simulation as strongly contributory to their learning experience. Additionally, the majority of participants specifically pointed out simulation as valuable in free commentary. Conclusions: Development of clinically relevant simulation scenarios for the use during live ENLS didactics is feasible, even for large groups of participants. Among learners, simulation within ENLS is perceived as highly valuable and could be a future strategy to address educational needs in emergency and critical care neurology. Disclosure: Dr. White has nothing to disclose. Dr. Robinson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Maciel has nothing to disclose. Dr. Babi has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with UCB Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Munoz has nothing to disclose. Dr. Beattie has nothing to disclose. Dr. Maldonado has nothing to disclose. Dr. Youn has nothing to disclose. Dr. Giordano has nothing to disclose. Dr. Busl has nothing to disclose.