Improving Interprofessional Neurology Training Using Tele-Education.

Abstract

Background: Neurological disorders are a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. Their burden on the health care system has substantially increased in the past 25 years, due to more effective treatments and longer life expectancies. The Veterans Health Administration has seen increases in neurology referrals and patients with neurologic disorders.

Observations: Collaborative efforts among primary care, geriatrics, neurology, psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, social work, and other disciplines are needed to properly care for veterans with neurologic disorders. Neurology education is an important tool for clinicians to better care for veterans with neurologic disorders. The use of technology and online resources have improved education dissemination. This article describes how an annual neurology education program has expanded its reach and availability over 4 years.

Conclusions: A small, in-person neurology symposium evolved into an annual virtual conference that included more clinicians from outside the specialty. Increased participation and survey data suggest the seminar improved neurologic knowledge in non-neurologist clinical personnel and increased their comfort level during initial evaluations of neurologic disorders in veterans.