Advocacy Training in Medical Education: Results of a Novel Curriculum for Neurology Residents

Objective: The primary objective is to pilot a novel curriculum in advocacy education for neurology residents, and to assess residents’ opinions and experiences on physician advocacy before and after completion of the curriculum. Background: Neurologists have the potential to be effective advocates for their patients and their profession, yet formal training in advocacy skills and public policy is not provided in all neurology residencies. While a few advocacy curricula have been published in other specialties, there are no published advocacy curricula for neurology residents. Design/Methods: An anonymous online survey was administered to neurology residents inquiring about knowledge, experience, and opinions on physician advocacy prior to the start of the curriculum. The neurology residents then completed a curriculum in physician advocacy comprised of a series of interactive lectures as well as a group advocacy project. Upon completion of the curriculum, residents were asked to complete the same anonymous online survey with additional questions seeking curriculum feedback. The curriculum took place over 3 months. Data was collected using Qualtrics. Results: Eleven residents completed the pre-intervention survey and nine residents completed the post-intervention survey. Pre-curriculum, 72% of residents reported low familiarity with physician advocacy, but following the curriculum, 63% of participants felt they received adequate training in advocacy, and 75% indicated interest in advocacy during their careers. Post-curriculum, residents participated in AAN Neurology on the Hill, AAN Neurology off the Hill, and a community outreach project. Conclusions: This is the first time an advocacy curriculum for neurology residents has been reported. More data is needed to determine the efficacy of advocacy curriculum as it relates to residents future involvement in physician advocacy, and to create a model that may be adaptable to other institutions. This preliminary data suggests that advocacy curriculum during residency may be an efficacious way to bolster interest in physician advocacy. Disclosure: Dr. LaBarbera has nothing to disclose. Dr. Stavros has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cahill has nothing to disclose.