Title: Neurological examination lab during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an experience from Humanitas University, Milan, Italy

Authors: Matteo Biroli; Valeriano Vinci; Licia Montagna; Silvia Oldani

Addresses: Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy ' Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; Humanitas Clinical and Research Center – IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy ' Office of Medical Education, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy ' Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; Humanitas Clinical and Research Center – IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy

Abstract: Core diagnostic and physical examination skills in neurology are fundamental for aspiring physicians. Merging theory with practical activities is an efficient way to strengthen the learning process. However, SARS-CoV-2 pandemic hard tested the possibility to perform them. This article aims at describing/evaluating the way Humanitas University managed this issue implementing innovative flipped-learning-based activities. The five-day neurology lab was re-designed aiming at avoiding unnecessary contacts, maximising skills acquisition and meeting students' needs, satisfaction, expectations. Mandatory SARS-CoV-2 serology/swab testing before activities' beginning assured every student's safety. Student's satisfaction assessment, performed through two online questionnaires, showed that the new organisation of the neurological lab received significantly higher appreciation compared to previous year's activities. Flipped-learning-based activities helped grasping the essence of different neurological syndromes and the required skills to recognise them. In view of this, we believe that flipped-learning-based activities could constitute a powerful innovative method to build solid knowledge in the neurology field.

Keywords: neurological examination; SARS-CoV-2 pandemic; university; medical education; medical students; neurology; e-learning; flipped-learning; blended learning; physical examination.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2022.125773

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2022 Vol.32 No.3, pp.305 - 321

Received: 01 May 2021
Accepted: 02 Sep 2021
Published online: 28 Sep 2022 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article