Using Neurology Trainees as Standardized Patients in a Neurological Emergency Simulation Curriculum for Medical Students

Purpose Simulation manikins have limited ability to mimic neurological exam findings, which has historically constrained their use in neurology education. We developed a cased-based simulation curriculum in which neurology trainees acted as standardized patients (SPs) and portrayed the neurologic exam for medical students. Materials/Methods We ran monthly simulations of two cases (acute stroke and seizure) with resident/fellow SPs. Pre-/post-session surveys assessed students’ self-rated confidence in neurological clinical skills (gathering a history, performing an exam, presenting a case) and knowledge domains. Questions about students’ attitudes about neurology were adapted from a validated assessment tool. Paired t -tests were performed for quantitative items. Qualitative thematic analysis identified key themes. Results Sixty-one students participated. Post-session, students reported significantly higher self-confidence in all neurological clinical skills and knowledge domains ( p